Indian navy officer Vinay Narwal and his wife Himanshi on their wedding day on April 16. They were on honeymoon in Pahalgam, Kashmir, when they were attacked by terrorists. He died after he was gunned down.
Image: Facebook
Several South African religious organisations have strongly condemned the recent killing of tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, calling it a senseless act of violence that has shocked communities both locally and globally.
Among the most vocal were the Arya Samaj South Africa, Vishwa Hindu Parishad SA, and the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, who all issued public statements expressing grief, outrage, and a plea for peace.
On April 22, an attack in the scenic town of Pahalgam claimed the lives of innocent Hindu tourists. This follows closely on the heels of the tragic killing of a Hindu community leader in Bangladesh — acts which have triggered fears of growing hostility toward religious minorities across regions.
Pundit Kirun Satgoor, President of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of South Africa, described the attack as a violation of human rights that has left communities in mourning.
“These acts of violence have shaken our shared humanity,” said Mr Satgoor. “In times of darkness, we must become beacons of light. Violence is never the answer — it is through peace, dialogue, and understanding that we find true strength.”
The Arya Samaj South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the sanctity of life and religious freedom, encouraging unity and respect for all people.
Echoing these sentiments, Ajen Rooplal, President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad SA, condemned what he called a “targeted attack on Hindus” and expressed concern over what appears to be an alarming rise in Hindu hate.
“This is yet another dark day in humanity, reminiscent of the tragedies of 9/11 and 26/11,” said Mr Rooplal. “We urge the South African government and citizens to stand against the global increase in Hindu hate and join in solidarity with the victims.”
The organisation has announced plans to host mass prayer services across South Africa, calling on all Hindu and religious leaders to unite in condemning the violence.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha drew upon ancient Hindu scriptures to reinforce the importance of non-violence and compassion. In their statement, they said violence stands in direct contradiction to the spiritual essence of Hinduism, citing sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita.
“No ideology or cause can justify the indiscriminate killing of innocent people,” the statement read. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to peace and universal respect for life.”
The outcry was also echoed by the South African Government, that released a statement through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
“The South African Government is deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. We extend our condolences to the people of India and reaffirm that acts of extremism have no place in society,” the statement said.