The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOC-USA) held a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence at Times Square on April 27, 2025, to honor the 26 victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack occurred on April 22^nd, and claimed the lives of innocent civilians, drawing widespread condemnation.

The event, titled “Stand in Solidarity with India,” brought together IOC-USA leaders, members of the Indian diaspora, and community figures to denounce the act of terrorism and call for urgent, unified action to bolster India’s security. Participants held placards bearing messages such as “Indian Americans Stand Against Terrorism,” “India Against Terrorism,” and “Justice for Pahalgam.”

In a press statement, IOC-USA demanded a transparent investigation into the intelligence and security lapses that allowed the attack to occur. The organization called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to address India’s growing national security challenges. Senior officials also stressed the importance of strengthening safety measures for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and improving protections for tourists throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

The organization further urged the government to take immediate steps to prevent communal polarization, honor local heroes, protect Kashmiri residents nationwide, and implement concrete strategies to counter terrorism and radicalization.

IOC-USA President, Mohinder Singh Gilzian criticized the government’s handling of the tragedy.

“Where is Prime Minister Modi’s ’56-inch chest’ and angry eyes now?” Gilzian asked. “Instead of visiting the grieving families in Kashmir, he chose to prioritize election campaigning in Bihar. National security must come before political gains.” He called for swift action to deliver justice to the victims and enhance India’s national security framework.

IOC-USA Secretary-General Harbachan Singh expressed continued support for the Government of India in responding effectively to the crisis. He emphasized the need to restore peace and security in Kashmir, support the victims’ families, and uphold justice and dignity for all Indians.

Several IOC-USA leaders delivered powerful messages of solidarity and action:

• Working President (North-East Zone), Pradeep Samala, called for accountability regarding the serious security lapse in Pahalgam.
• Vice Chairman, John Joseph, reaffirmed solidarity with the victims and emphasized that terrorism cannot break India’s unity.
• Vice Chairman, Baldev Randhawa, urged immediate reforms to prioritize national security.
• New Jersey Chapter President, Peter Kothari, cautioned against communalizing the tragedy and encouraged economic measures to revive tourism in Kashmir.
• Telangana Chapter Chairman, Ram Gadula, acknowledged the nation’s collective grief and advocated for better protections for tourists and residents.
• New York Chapter President, Imran Pasha, quoted, “In Islam, it is taught that taking the life of one innocent person is as if killing all of humanity, and saving one life is as if saving all of humanity.”
• Treasurer, Joshua Jayasingh, warned of the broader implications for India’s global image and called for stronger action against cross-border terrorism.
• General Secretary, Sophia Sharma, emphasized the need for unity and collective resistance to violence.
• Secretary, Minhaj Khan, denounced the attack as an affront to humanity and demanded prompt justice.
• Secretary, Jaswinder S Kang, mourned the loss of innocent lives and stressed the importance of securing sensitive regions, stating, “Our unity is our strength.”
• Senior Officer, Leela Merat, paid tribute to the victims and called for renewed national commitment to security.
• General Secretary, Muhammed Mujahid Murtuza, urged leaders to act with courage, compassion, and determination to defend the nation.

The vigil concluded with a pledge from IOC-USA to continue advocating for “justice, safety, and national unity.” The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with Indian authorities, international allies, and the global Indian community to build a stronger, more secure, and inclusive India.

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