Engineer Rashid Condemns Pahalgam Attack While Avoiding Government Blame

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Engineer Rashid, formally known as Sheikh Abdul Rashid Sheikh (hereafter “Engineer Rashid”), a Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramulla, strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in the Lok Sabha, calling it a “murder of democracy.” While denouncing the violence, he deliberately refrained from joining Opposition criticism of the government’s failure to prevent it, instead urging both political sides to seek a political resolution to address underlying tensions

The attack, carried out by five armed terrorists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local pony‑ride operator, and injured more than 20 others. The casualties included Hindu and Christian visitors, along with a Muslim local who attempted to intervene and was killed during the assault 

The international and regional response was swift. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) formally condemned the attack, stating such terrorism “could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters,” while calling for intensified efforts to counter terror financing. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) also denounced the attack on April 22 in its strongest terms, urging member states to cooperate in bringing perpetrators, organisers, and financiers to justice under international law 

Regional powers aligned with global sentiment. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, issued a joint statement condemning cross‑border terrorism, specifically citing the Pahalgam attack. The Quad reaffirmed a commitment to counterterrorism cooperation and called for justice for the victims while also unveiling a new Critical Minerals Initiative to safeguard supply chains. China issued a strong condemnation as well, appealing to regional states to enhance counterterrorism measures and uphold stability 

Domestically, India’s Supreme Court expressed “deep anguish” over the “cowardly” attack, issuing a resolution to honour the victims and convey condolences to their families, while demanding no tolerance for such atrocities. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor and senior government officials identified the attack as Pakistan‑sponsored, underscoring the threat to Kashmir’s tourism and social harmony. A shutdown in the Valley, supported by political parties, civil society groups, and educational institutions, spread solidarity in protest against the violence 

Engineer Rashid’s measured response underscores a theme of national unity in the aftermath of tragedy. By condemning the violence but resisting partisan blame, he aligned with global and domestic calls for justice while emphasising the need for constructive political dialogue.