US Senator Adam Schiff condemns 'brutal act of terrorism' in Pahalgam attack
US Senator
Adam Schiff
has issued a powerful letter denouncing the 'brutal act of terrorism' in Pahalgam where 26 civilians were killed.
In a response to the
Hindu American Foundation
's action alert, Senator Schiff expressed solidarity with the victims and the Indian-American community, while urging the US State Department to push for calm between India and Pakistan following the deadly incident.
'I condemn this brutal act of
terrorism
in the strongest possible terms,' Schiff wrote. 'My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and to the people of India. I stand in solidarity with the entire Indian-American community that has been affected by this senseless violence.'
Senator Schiff's letter, sent to constituents and published by the Hindu American Foundation, acknowledged the religious nature of the killings and the threat such acts pose to global peace.
'All people deserve to live free from fear that they will be targeted based on their religion, ethnicity, or culture,' he wrote. 'The United States must help all nations prevent and combat acts of terrorism, such as the attack that took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
'
He added that the US must also work toward promoting religious freedom worldwide 'to uphold basic human rights and in the interest of global stability.'
Schiff's comments come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
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After the Pahalgam massacre, India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. India responded with force before both sides agreed to de-escalate following talk.
In his letter, Schiff urged the State Department to play a diplomatic role in the region. 'It is critical that the Department of State urge calm on both sides and push for de-escalation,' he said.
'I hope that those responsible for this brutal attack will be found and held accountable, along with anyone that provided them with support or aid.'
The Hindu American Foundation, which helped bring attention to the attack, welcomed Schiff's intervention. 'Thank you, Senator, for recognizing the targeted nature of the violence and standing in solidarity with victims and their families,' the group posted. 'This important response comes following an action alert from the Hindu American Foundation, and we are grateful for your leadership in calling for accountability, de-escalation, and global religious freedom.
'
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