ATLANTA — In response to the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 innocent lives, a powerful protest rally was held today in Atlanta, Georgia, to condemn terrorism and express solidarity with the victims. This terror attack has triggered widespread condemnation from the international community. U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State, NSA, DNI, Attorney General, Director of the FBI, and several Senators and Representatives have expressed solidarity with victims as well as their families while denouncing the attack.
Organized by the Hindu Community of Georgia, including many prominent community leaders and local organizations, the rally drew hundreds of participants, united in their call for justice and an end to senseless violence. The rally began in Suwanee, GA, with participants waving Indian and American flags, holding placards denouncing terrorism, and chanting slogans such as “No to Terror, Yes to Peace.”
Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick, a vocal advocate for U.S.-India cooperation, emphasized the need for a united front against terrorism. McCormick stated. “This heinous attack in Pahalgam is a stark reminder of the global threat terrorism poses. The United States stands firmly with India in combating this scourge, and I’m committed to ensuring we share intelligence and resources to enhance security for both nations.”
The Consul General of India in Atlanta condemned the barbaric attack. “The cowardly act in Pahalgam is a direct attack on the values of peace and brotherhood that India upholds,” the Consul General said. “We are grateful for the support of the Atlanta community and the U.S. government in standing with India during this time of grief. Together, we must ensure justice for the victims and work tirelessly to eliminate terrorism.”
Georgia State Senator Shawn Still said, “I am deeply grieved and outraged by this brutal act of violence. The cruelty of identifying individuals based on their faith and executing them is beyond words.” Stressing his commitment to fighting religious hate, Shawn added, “No Georgian should feel unsafe or unseen because of their faith.”
Dr. Ajay Houde, a representative of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), spoke about the community’s resolve to promote peace and resilience. “This attack was not just on Pahalgam but on the very fabric of humanity,” Houde stated. “HSS stands with the victims’ families and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We call for a global coalition to dismantle terror networks.”
Dr Subash Razdan, a nationally respected community activist and Kashmiri Hindu himself, said, “This is not the first time Hindus were attacked in Kashmir. A 100% Hindu population in the 13th century has now been reduced to merely a few thousand. Kashmir witnessed 7 waves of Hindu exodus since the Islamic invasions 800 years ago.”
President of Federation of Gujarati Associations of USA, Vasudev Patel, added, “Such acts of terror serve no cause and only inflict suffering and grief. We call for swift justice against the perpetrators and urge that all necessary support be provided to the victims and their families.”
“Islamic terrorism in all its forms and manifestations continues to be one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” said Rajeev Menon, a founding member of the Hindus of Georgia PAC. “It is high time that the global community takes unified action to contain and eradicate this threat.”
The rally concluded with a pledge to support initiatives combating terrorism and aiding affected families. Organizers announced plans to collaborate with local and national authorities to advocate for stronger counterterrorism measures and to provide relief to those impacted in Pahalgam.
The Atlanta protest rally serves as a testament to the strength of community solidarity and shared commitment to a world free from terror.
###
Contact:
Dr. Ajay Houde
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.