By: Dr. Avi Verma

From Pahalgam to Pakistan, why innocents are under fire and the world must rise against the roots of global terrorism

What is terrorism?

Terrorism is the calculated use of violence—or the threat of violence—to create fear, intimidate populations, and coerce governments, often to advance religious, political, or ideological goals. It targets civilians, religious sites, and public places deliberately to cause chaos, spread hatred, and assert control through fear.

South Asia: The epicenter of a global crisis

While terrorism has scarred nations from New York and London to Nairobi and Paris, South Asia—especially India—remains one of the most persistently targeted regions in the world. India has been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.

A recent attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where Hindu pilgrims and civilians were killed, has reignited global outrage. This wasn’t just an act of violence; it was a hate crime meant to terrorize a faith community and disrupt peace.

According to the Global Terrorism Index (2024):

• India ranks 8th among the top 10 countries most affected by terrorism.
• Jammu and Kashmir alone has seen over 5,000 civilian deaths and more than 2,000 security personnel killed due to terrorism since the 1990s.
• 2023 and 2024 have shown an uptick in targeted killings, particularly of Hindus and Sikhs.

Each life lost is more than a statistic. It’s a story shattered, a family broken, and a community scarred.

Why do many terrorists belong to one particular religion?

It is an uncomfortable truth that many global terrorist acts over the past two decades have been carried out by extremists aligned with radical Islamist ideologies. This does not reflect on the religion of Islam itself, which billions follow peacefully. Rather, it reflects the exploitation of religious texts by extremist groups to justify violence.

Terror outfits such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed have manipulated religious rhetoric to recruit and radicalize youth. Pakistan’s continued sheltering of terrorist masterminds—such as Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad—exemplifies this systemic misuse of religious and state infrastructure.

Why is the world silent?

We must ask—Why?

• Why do global powers continue to ignore Pakistan’s role as a state sponsor of terrorism?
• Why are sanctions weak or symbolic?
• Why are innocent civilians—pilgrims, children, and daily wage workers—the ones paying the price?

The United Nations, United States, and European nations must no longer turn a blind eye to countries that provide financial, military, and logistical support to terror groups. India’s calls for international accountability have been consistent, but global action remains lukewarm at best.

What’s the solution?

To defeat terrorism, we must address both its ideological roots and state-sponsored infrastructure:

1. Global Accountability
   Democracies must unite to isolate and penalize nations harboring terror groups.
2. Education and De-Radicalization
   Counter-extremist narratives and prevent online radicalization, especially among youth.
3. Strong Legal Action
   Ban terror outfits, freeze assets, and prosecute leaders across borders.
4. Interfaith Dialogue
   Foster unity among religious communities to stop hate-based mobilization.
5. Cut Off Terror Financing
   As was done in the post-URI attack period in 2016–2018, when Indo-American advocacy—including from leaders like Arun Mundra—helped cut U.S. military aid to Pakistan by 30%, reducing its capacity to fund cross-border terrorism.

A global cry for justice

Following the Pahalgam attack, over 60+ organizations across continents have condemned the rise of global terrorism. Organizations like BJSM (Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand), NRI Global Coordination from East Asia, Europe, and the Gulf, and 70+ temples and Hindu groups including VHPA, CoHNA, HinduPACT, SEWA, and HSS, have all demanded decisive international action.

Prayer vigils, protests, and solidarity campaigns continue—from East London to Abu Dhabi, from Chicago to Sydney—calling for justice for the victims and pressure on those enabling terrorism.

Conclusion: The time to act is now

The tragedy in Pahalgam is not isolated—it is part of a dangerous global pattern. The world must rise together—firmly and fearlessly—to dismantle the ideological, financial, and logistical roots of terrorism.

Enough lives have been lost. The time for statements is over.

The time for justice is now.