Battle between dharma and adharma: Mohan Bhagwat on Pahalgam terror attack

While reacting to the terrorists killing tourists after asking them their religion, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that Hindus would never do such a thing.

In Short

• RSS chief condemns Pahalgam terror attack
• Says battle is between 'dharma' and 'adharma'
• Calls for strong response against evil

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 people-mostly tourists-were killed, saying the attackers shot people after asking their religion, and asserted that "Hindus would never do such a thing". Talking about the carnage, which has been dubbed as one of the deadliest in recent times, Bhagwat said the attack served as a reminder that the battle was between "dharma and adharma".

"People were killed after being asked about their religion," Bhagwat said while addressing a public event. "Hindus would never do such a thing. This is not our nature. Hatred and hostility are not in our culture. But neither is silently enduring harm."

Three days after the attack, which has been claimed by the Pakistan-backed terror group The Resistance Front, Bhagwat said the incident was a reminder that "the battle is between dharma and adharma".

"There is pain in our hearts. We are angry. But to destroy evil, strength must be shown," he said. Drawing from mythology, he added, "Ravana refused to change his mind. There was no other option left. Ram killed him-but only after giving him a chance to reform."

He called for a strong and visible response, saying, "We hope for a strong response. A truly non-violent person must also be strong. If there is no strength, there is no choice. But when there is strength, it must be visible when needed."

Bhagwat also stressed the importance of societal unity as a deterrent against attacks. "If we are united, no one will dare to look at us with ill intentions. And if someone does, their eye will be smashed," he said.

The attack at the popular tourist site of Baisaran valley in Pahalgam on April 22 left 26 people dead. Visuals from the spot showed panic and chaos as gunmen opened fire. Survivors said they were asked about their religion before being targeted.