By: Dr. Avi Verma

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the Indian diaspora and Hindu organizations around the globe. More than 60 organizations across continents—including the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America—have come together to express solidarity with the victims and to demand concrete international action against global terrorism.

Tributes and global outpouring of support

In a powerful display of unity, hundreds of thousands of people, led by the Association of Hindu Organisations (AOHO) of East London and Essex along with 63 partner groups and over 100,000 individuals in the UK-Europe region, joined in mourning and tribute. Candlelight vigils, online prayer meets, and solidarity statements were held in cities across the globe—from London and Melbourne to Dubai, New York, Hong Kong, and Nairobi.

A special global prayer meet on May 3rd was co-organized by Hindu Mandir Executive Council (HMEC) and Hindu Mandir Priest Council (HMPC) with participation from over 70 temples and 18+ Hindu organizations including HSS, SEWA, VHPA, Ekal Vidyalaya, CoHNA, HinduPACT, Americans4Hindus, HAF, and Bharat FM. The event honored the victims and reinforced the need for a united global stand against terrorism.

Support from Indian communities across continents

Key Indian organizations from various regions voiced their support for India and condemned the terror attack:

• Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand (BJSM) released a strong statement denouncing terrorism and expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
• Messages of condolence and condemnation were received by NRI Global Coordination teams from organizations and individuals in the UAE, Singapore, Indonesia, Ireland, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, and many more.
• In the United States, numerous Hindu temples and community organizations, including the Agarwal Samaj of America, participated in remembrance services and released public appeals for justice.

Call for action against state-sponsored terrorism

Arun Mundra, VHPA Outreach and global coordinator for several NRI platforms such as Mein Bharat Hoon and ABMMS, has played a pivotal role in rallying international support. Mundra also received global statements of solidarity and documented examples of support from regional leaders including Ravi Ji (UK), Chandran Ji (Australia), Ravindra Ji (Indonesia), Rajesh Ji (Dubai), Arvind Ji (China), and many others.

Mundra also reminded the public of efforts following the 2016 Uri attack, when the Indo-American community spearheaded a campaign to cut U.S. military aid to Pakistan, which was allegedly being misused to shelter and fund global terrorists. An online petition garnered hundreds of thousands of signatures and contributed to the eventual reduction of U.S. aid by nearly 30% in 2017, with near-total cuts by 2018.

This international advocacy was further supported by U.S. lawmakers including Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who sought stricter sanctions on Pakistan’s government for harboring terrorist leaders like Osama bin Laden.

A unified global voice