The heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which tragically claimed 26 innocent lives, was a calculated assault not only on human lives but on the very soul of India, a nation defined by its unity in diversity. Orchestrated by malevolent forces seeking to fracture the sacred bond between Hindus, Muslims, and people of all faiths, this attack aimed to sow discord in a land where pluralism is not just a tradition but a living, breathing reality. 

Yet, India’s response through resolute military action and an unyielding spirit of unity has once again proven that our spiritual heritage is an unbreakable shield against division. As the Gaddi Nashin of the revered Dargah Ajmer Sharif, having journeyed across 75 countries over two decades advocating for peace, we call upon the world to join India in a unified stand against terrorism, ensuring that love, harmony, and justice prevail.

The attack in the serene Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, carried out by the Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was the deadliest civilian assault since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Targeting tourists, predominantly Hindus but also claiming a Christian and a local Muslim, it was a deliberate attempt to ignite religious tensions. The terrorists and their sponsors across the border sought to unravel the strength of India’s pluralistic ethos, a nation where 1.5 billion people of diverse faiths coexist as one. 

India’s response was swift and decisive. Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes, obliterated terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting the epicenters of past atrocities like 26/11 and Uri. Along with the military triumph, it was the collective resolve of India’s citizens that truly defeated the terrorists’ sinister intent. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the quiet villages of Kashmir, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and others stood shoulder to shoulder, offering support to victims and condemning the attack. This unity is not merely a reaction but a sacred sign to the spiritual foundations that have held India together for centuries.

India’s strength lies in its spiritual heritage, a mosaic of teachings that transcend religious boundaries and unite humanity under the banner of love and compassion. For over 800 years, our family has served as key custodians of the Dargah Ajmer Sharif, the resting place of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, lovingly known among the masses as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz. His timeless wisdom and message, “Love all, hate none,” and the Sufi principle of “Al Khalqu Ayal Lillah” (the entire creation is God’s family) resonate deeply in India’s heart. The Dargah Sharif, a sacred space where people of all faiths find solace, exemplifies this ethos, welcoming millions annually to pray, reflect, and unite.

This spirit of unity is echoed in the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, who declared, “Ek Noor Te Sab Jag Upjeya” (From one light, the entire world was created) a call to recognize the shared light of humanity that binds us. His teachings emphasizing the oneness of humanity and the divine spark in all. His travels across continents to foster dialogue and service to humanity remain a guiding light for India’s pluralistic society. Similarly, Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta, which speaks of a singular ultimate reality, bridges divide by highlighting the shared spiritual essence across faiths. He teaches us that beneath our varied traditions lies a singular truth, a oneness that unites rather than separates.

In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, these values manifested in acts of solidarity: Muslim neighbors aiding Hindu families, Sikh gurdwaras opening their doors to all, Hindu ashrams organizing interfaith prayers, Sufi Dargah’s across India organized prayers of Peace with safety and success of our armed forces. This is our India which is not a land of division, but a sacred light of harmony, where diversity is celebrated as a divine gift.

As a Sufi representative of India, we have witnessed the transformative power of interfaith dialogue in countering extremist narratives. The Dargah Ajmer Sharif has long been a center for such efforts, hosting gatherings where leaders from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and other communities unite to promote peace. These initiatives are not mere symbolic gestures but powerful antidotes to the poison of hatred spread by terrorists and radical organizations. Across India, faith leaders are stepping forward gurdwaras offering langar to all, temples facilitating community dialogues, dargah’s advocating for coexistence and churches calling for compassion. These efforts reinforce the shared values that bind us, ensuring that attempts to divide us along religious lines are met with an unwavering commitment to unity.

Our global travels over the past 20 years, spanning 75 countries and including engagements at the United Nations, African Union, G20, ASEAN summits, and prestigious institutions like Harvard, Princeton to Jindal Global University, Geneva University to Tokyo University as well as Nahdtal Ulema, Indonesia have reinforced our belief in the universal appeal of these values. At Peace Week 2024 in Japan, we invoked the ancient Indian principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), urging global audiences to transcend divisions and embrace love as a unifying force. This message, rooted in India’s spiritual heritage, resonates across borders, offering a blueprint for countering extremism worldwide.

The Pahalgam attack underscores a harsh reality: terrorism is a global scourge that respects no borders, and no nation can combat it alone. The evidence of state sponsorship, particularly from Pakistan-based groups like LeT, demands a robust international response. India, with its decades-long experience in countering terrorism, must lead this effort, but it requires the world’s support to succeed. The United Nations and regional bodies like the African Union and ASEAN must establish a global coalition to identify, isolate, and eliminate terrorist organizations and their sponsors. India’s expertise in counterterrorism should guide this coalition, ensuring coordinated intelligence-sharing and joint operations.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) must act decisively to choke the financial lifelines of terrorist groups. India’s submissions to FATF, highlighting the flow of funds to groups like LeT, should be prioritized, with sanctions imposed on states and entities enabling such activities. Global leaders must invest in interfaith and intercultural initiatives to counter the ideological underpinnings of terrorism. India’s model of pluralism, exemplified by institutions like the Dargah Ajmer Sharif, offers a framework for promoting dialogue and understanding worldwide.

Nations that harbor or support terrorist groups must face diplomatic and economic consequences. India’s evidence-based dossiers on state-sponsored terrorism should be acted upon by the international community to ensure accountability. Promotion of Soft Power Diplomacy, Cultural and spiritual exchanges, as we have advocated in forums from the G20 to Harvard, can build bridges between nations. By amplifying voices of peace and unity, we can undermine the divisive rhetoric of extremists.

These measures, rooted in India’s experience and spiritual wisdom, offer a path to a safer, more harmonious world. Our engagements at global platforms have shown us that when nations unite around shared values, the forces of hatred stand no chance. India’s response to the Pahalgam attack both militarily precise and spiritually resolute demonstrates its unique position as a global leader in both security and peacebuilding.

Operation Sindoor not only neutralized terrorist threats but also sent a clear message, India will not bow to those who seek to divide us. Yet, our greatest strength lies not just in our might but also in our unity, forged by centuries of spiritual wisdom. The teachings of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, Baba Guru Nanak, and Adi Shankaracharya remind us that humanity is one, bound by love and compassion.

As we reflect on our journeys from the halls of the United Nations to the sacred spaces of Africa, and Asia we are convinced that India’s model of pluralism is a gift to the world. The Pahalgam attack was an attempt to wound the idea of India, but we have emerged stronger, our unity a shining light of hope. We urge global leaders to join us in this fight, not just against terrorism but for a world where diversity is celebrated, and peace is the ultimate victory.

Let us stand together, as one human family, to isolate and eliminate the curse of terrorism. Let us amplify the voices of love and unity, ensuring that the sacrifices of those lost in Pahalgam fuel our resolve to build a better tomorrow. India has shown the way the world must follow.

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.

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