Doubt if terrorists asked victims their religion, says excise minister Timmapur

Time of India

27-04-2025

Bagalkot: Excise minister RB Timmapur said there is "no proper information" on whether terrorists singled out Hindus to kill them during the attack in Pahalgam. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Timmapur said that even if terrorists did ask tourists their religion before shooting them dead, one should not try and make political profit from it.
"The whole nation is saddened by the attack caused after an intelligence failure by the BJP govt," he said. "The Kargil war and Pulwama attack were also results of such intelligence failures. But now it's claimed that terrorists checked the religion of their victims. If it is true, how could a Muslim person also die in the attack? It's just BJP's conspiracy of politicising deaths. If it continues, we don't know where we will end up."
When pointed out that Pallavi, wife of victim Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, had said that her husband was asked his religion before he was shot dead, Timmapur said "she might not have been in the best frame of mind" when she said that.
"One should also note that many Muslims saved Hindus in the incident. Terrorists have no religion; they kill innocents, whether they are Muslims or Hindus," he said.
However, on Sunday, Timmapur appeared to peddle back on his remarks, saying in a statement: "This is not merely an act of terrorism but a heinous act targeting people based on their religion. Such religious profiling goes against our secular constitutional values. In this tragic time, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. They are not alone—we all stand united with them."
He further said, "However, at this time we must also ask some critical questions. It is evident that intelligence information, which could have provided a warning of this attack, was missed. The decision to open Baisaran Valley to tourists without adequate security has given terrorists an opportunity. The Union govt must take full responsibility for this and conduct a thorough investigation. Nonetheless, now is not the time for politics; our fight against terrorism must be united. We fully support the Union govt in taking cautious, immediate, and effective actions against those responsible for this act. We need a powerful response, not just symbolism. Such cruel acts should not ignite divisions in our nation's diversity and unity. We must stand together as Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and people of all religions to rid this country of violence and protect it with coexistence".