The Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) has issued a strong and deeply moving condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India, which claimed the lives of innocent Hindu pilgrims in what has been described as a chilling act of religiously motivated violence.

According to multiple media reports, the assailants reportedly asked victims to identify their religion before unleashing violence—an act that has sent shockwaves through the global Hindu community, including here in Aotearoa.

In a comprehensive statement released on Wednesday, HCNZ described the Pahalgam attack as not only “a heinous assault on individual lives” but also as “an attack on the universal values of freedom of religion, diversity, and human dignity.”

“This is a stark reminder that religious extremism and terror remain significant threats to peace and security—not only in Bharat (India) but across the world,” the Council stated.

A Call for Collective Mourning and Vigilance

HCNZ extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed, expressing its solidarity with the victims and their communities. The organisation also recognised the trauma experienced by survivors and those connected to the region, including members of New Zealand’s Hindu diaspora.

“The Hindu community worldwide is in mourning. As followers of Sanātana Dharma, which teaches non-violence (ahimsā), compassion (karuṇā), and the unity of all life (vasudhaiva kutumbakam), we are deeply aggrieved,” the Council wrote.

The New Zealand Context

New Zealand is home to a growing and vibrant Hindu population, with thousands of Kiwi Hindus contributing across a range of sectors—from health and education to enterprise and public service.

The Council underscored that acts of terror such as the one in Pahalgam resonate far beyond their geographic origin. “There may be familial ties to the victims, but there is also a universal human sorrow that binds us all,” it said. “As New Zealanders, we understand too well the pain caused by acts of hate.”

HCNZ praised New Zealand’s values of diversity, democracy, and peaceful coexistence, encouraging all communities to remain united in rejecting terrorism and religious intolerance in all forms.

Global Call to Action

In its release, the Hindu Council of New Zealand urged the international community—governments, multilateral organisations, civil society, and faith institutions—to take a stronger and more vocal stance against religiously motivated violence.

“Terrorism must never be rationalised, justified, or relativised,” the statement read. “We urge world leaders to hold perpetrators accountable, collaborate on counter-extremism efforts, and ensure attacks on Hindus are recognised in global human rights discussions.”

The Council advocated for decisive global measures to stem the rise of hate-fuelled violence and to reinforce commitments to human rights and interfaith harmony.

Upholding Dharma in Times of Crisis

Referencing the enduring principles of Sanātana Dharma, the Council reminded the community that true peace is built not only on the absence of conflict but on the presence of justice, compassion, and truth.

HCNZ also called upon the Hindu diaspora to honour the memory of the victims through positive action—including advocacy, interfaith engagement, community service, and peaceful solidarity.

“Let this shared sorrow become a seed of unity. Let us raise our voice—not in anger, but in dignity and clarity,” the Council urged. “Together, we must build a world where diversity is celebrated, and no one is persecuted for their faith.”