Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including several tourists, Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra President Abu Asim Azmi strongly condemned the incident and said that those who ask about religion before killing cannot be called Muslims.

Azmi’s statement came in response to reports that the attackers allegedly targeted victims based on their religious identity.

“If it’s true that the attackers asked for names and religion before killing, then they cannot be Muslims. They cannot be killers in the name of Islam. They must be expelled from Islam,” Azmi told IANS.

Describing the massacre as a deeply tragic event, he said, “I am deeply saddened. Families went to Kashmir for their summer holidays, and this is what they faced.”

Referring to the 2019 Pulwama attack, Azmi stated that the full truth behind that incident remains unclear. “Earlier, there was a big incident in Pulwama. But even now, the truth behind that hasn’t come out fully,” he said.

He called the Pahalgam killings a total failure of the security system and questioned how such an attack was possible in a highly monitored area. “How were so many people killed? The government is responsible,” Azmi asserted.

Demanding greater security ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, Azmi emphasized that protecting pilgrims must be a top priority. “If we can’t stop terrorists from killing people, then we need to rethink our entire approach,” he added.

Azmi also supported Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s criticism of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the government of failing to fulfill its promises to end terrorism.

“He said demonetisation would end terrorism — has it? This is the biggest act of terror after Pulwama. He has failed and must take responsibility,” Azmi said.

He further urged the government to sever ties with Pakistan if the country is found to be involved in the attack. “If Pakistan is behind this, then why do we maintain relations? Stop the visas, cut ties, and end this charade. Enough is enough,” he concluded.