Latest news with #Ludhianvi
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Shameful': Locals in Ludhiana take to the streets over Pahalgam attack
The Punjab's Shahi Imam, Maulana Muhammad Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi, condemned the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, calling it a 'shameful crime against humanity'. In a protest held outside the Jama Masjid in Ludhiana on Wednesday, an effigy representing terrorism was burned, and prayers were offered for the victims. Addressing the gathering, Maulana Ludhianvi expressed deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives. 'Killing people based on their religion is an act of cowardice,' he said, referring to reports that the attackers had targeted tourists after questioning their faith. Quoting the Quran, he stated, 'The murder of a single innocent is the murder of all humanity.' The Shahi Imam accused the perpetrators of misusing the name of Islam and asserted that no true follower of the faith could support such violence. 'This attack is part of a larger conspiracy to spread hatred between Muslims and Hindus,' he said, adding that the act was particularly heinous as it targeted unarmed civilians. Calling for swift and public justice, Maulana Ludhianvi demanded that the culprits be hanged in public and that the government of India offer ₹1 crore in compensation to the families of those killed. He also emphasised the importance of national unity in the face of such threats. 'Terrorism's sole aim is to break our unity and peace. We must not let that happen,' he said. The Shahi Imam criticised Pakistan for consistently playing a destructive role in regional stability. 'Since 1947, it has never behaved like a good neighbour. Today, it is suffering from the fire of hatred it helped light,' he remarked. He called on citizens and political leaders alike to avoid playing politics over the tragedy and instead work together to defeat the forces of terror and support the victims. 'Terrorism has no religion. At a time like this, it is our duty to stand united against those who wish to divide us,' he added.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Those responsible for Pahalgam terror attack should be ‘publicly hanged': Shahi Imam of Punjab
Maulana Muhammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, the Shahi Imam of Punjab, strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam, calling it a 'shameful act against humanity'. A protest was also held on Wednesday outside the historic Jama Masjid in Ludhiana in solidarity with the victims of the attack. The Shahi Imam said, 'Killing innocent people after asking their religion is an act of cowardice. He emphasised that the Holy Quran clearly states that killing even a single innocent person is equivalent to killing all of humanity. Those who claim to be Muslims and commit such terrorist acts can never be followers of Islam.' He added, 'This is not only a conspiracy to spread hatred between Muslims and Hindus across the country but also a heinous crime against unarmed tourists for which the culprits must be punished.' The Shahi Imam demanded that the perpetrators 'should not only be investigated but also publicly hanged.' Ludhianvi urged people to remain united as terrorism aims to break the unity and integrity of the nation. He said it was unfortunate that Pakistan has failed to become a good neighbour since its inception. He blamed it for continuously conspiring against India, noting that Pakistan is now suffering in a 'fire of hatred'. The Shahi Imam called on the Indian government to respond strongly to the attack and provide compensation of Rs 1 crore each to the families of those killed in the terrorist attack. He also demanded a thorough investigation to expose the conspiracy so that the atmosphere of harmony in Kashmir can be restored. 'Terrorism has no religion, and in such sensitive times, instead of engaging in politics, everyone should come together to fight the enemy and share the pain of the victims,' he said.
