OIC Raises Alarm Over Reprisal Attacks on Muslims After Pahalgam Tragedy

In the aftermath of a deadly militant attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) has raised alarm over a sharp rise in Islamophobic incidents across India. 

Citing mounting reports of harassment, threats, and hate-driven violence against Muslims, the Commission has condemned what it describes as a disturbing pattern of reprisal attacks, both online and offline, fuelled by far-right Hindu nationalist groups.

According to eyewitness accounts and international media reports, the Pahalgam attack appeared to target Hindu men specifically, stoking grief and fury across India. 

The Indian government swiftly pointed fingers at Pakistan, reviving long-standing accusations of cross-border militancy. Pakistan, however, has firmly rejected these allegations, reiterating that its support for Kashmiris remains strictly diplomatic.

Yet, it is the fallout for Muslims in India, particularly those from Kashmir, that has drawn international censure. “Reported incidents of hate-driven violence against Muslims appear to be fuelled by far-right Hindu nationalist groups, which wrongfully blame Muslims for a recent violent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam district of IOJK,” the IPHRC said in a statement issued in Jeddah.

Kashmiri students and vendors, many of whom have migrated to Indian cities for education and livelihood, have been subjected to a spate of harassment and vilification. The IPHRC characterized the targeting of these communities as “disturbing” and an alarming violation of international human rights standards.

While acknowledging the tragic loss of life in Pahalgam, the IPHRC emphasized that “reprisal violence against innocent civilians” violates both human dignity and global human rights norms. “As such, the Commission calls for a prompt and impartial investigation into the incident and urges all to respect the sanctity of human life and ensure the protection of civilians at all times.”

In its strongly worded statement, the Commission expressed profound concern over “the unfounded scapegoating of Muslim communities in India,” asserting that these actions represent “a harmful attempt by far-right Hindu nationalists to incite communal violence.” 

This, the Commission warned, is exacerbated by the “lack of accountability and the growing systemic and systematic normalization of anti-Muslim rhetoric.”

India is home to over 200 million Muslims, about 14% of its population, and under international treaties such as the ICCPR, ICESCR, and ICERD, the Indian government is bound to ensure their protection. 

The IPHRC underscored the need to uphold the right to life and dignity, freedom of religion, and freedom from hate speech and violence.

It reminded the Indian government of its obligations under Articles 2, 18, 26, and 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as other key international agreements.

“The Commission also calls on the international community, United Nations human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures, to closely monitor the situation and take necessary actions to protect the rights and dignity of Muslims in India,” the statement added.

Calling for tangible action, the IPHRC advocated the establishment of a United Nations-led fact-finding mission or Commission of Inquiry to independently assess human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir.

It urged the international community and the UN to pressure India to implement existing UN Security Council and OIC resolutions related to Kashmir, avoid any changes to the region’s demographic or geographic status, and repeal laws deemed discriminatory.

The April 22 attack has not only heightened communal sensitivities within India but has also dangerously strained bilateral relations with Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the attackers “to the ends of the earth,” prompting speculation about potential retaliatory military actions.

In response, a Pakistani minister revealed that Islamabad had “credible intelligence” indicating that India might be planning an attack. Pakistan’s government and military have issued stark warnings, pledging a “strong” response if India initiates any military engagement.