VHP condemns attacks on Kashmiris, but says they will not stop those speaking against ‘jihad’

Working president Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Alok Kumar.
| Photo Credit: AP

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar on Friday (May 2, 2025) condemned the recent attacks on Kashmiris, especially students, in various parts of the country, but maintained that such incidents should not be used to “silence” those who speak against the ‘jihad’ and the attempt to destroy ‘Sanatan Dharma’.

The terrorists wanted to break Kashmir’s backbone, which is tourism, because they did not want to see this part of India getting prosperous, Mr. Kumar told The Hindu.The Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people lost their lives, made it clear once again that terror has a religion, he added.

“”They killed Hindus by identifying them. They asked the religion specifically and even did everything to verify the same. But this shouldn’t be used to assault innocent people, and hence Kashmiri students and people shouldn’t have been attacked,” he added.

‘Awaiting right opportunity’

Asked why India is delaying its response to the terror attack, Mr. Kumar said that it was upto the government how it wants to retaliate, but added that “India will retaliate in full measures over the Pahalgam attack.”

“I will explain this better to you through a Ramayana. Even after Ram befriended Sugriv and he had all the resources to find Sita, he waited in the hills for two months, just for the right opportunity and right time. This is what India is doing at the moment, I believe,” he added.

Condemning those who are asking India not to escalate tensions with Pakistan, Mr. Kumar said that was an unethical demand as India was the “sufferer’’ in this situation.