Navi Mumbai News: Dogra Samaj, Kashmiri Pandits Hold Candlelight Vigil In Vashi For Pahalgam Victims

The victims, described by organizers as "innocent brothers," were targeted solely for their religious identity, according to community representatives. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Kashmiri Hindu diaspora and beyond, reigniting concerns about minority safety in the conflict-prone region.

Sameera Kapoor Munshi Updated: Friday, May 02, 2025, 12:11 PM IST
Members of Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA)  Mumbai and Jammu-Kashmir Dogra Samaj stage protest at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk Vashi, against Terrorist attack on Tourist in Pahalgam, on Thursday | FPJ/ Farooq Sayed

Members of Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA) Mumbai and Jammu-Kashmir Dogra Samaj stage protest at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk Vashi, against Terrorist attack on Tourist in Pahalgam, on Thursday | FPJ/ Farooq Sayed

 In al show of solidarity and mourning, members of the Jammu and Kashmir Dogra Samaj and the Kashmiri Pandit Association, Mumbai, organized a tribute gathering at Shivaji Chowk, Vashi, on Thursday evening to honor the memory of Hindu civilians brutally killed in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22.

The victims, described by organizers as "innocent brothers," were targeted solely for their religious identity, according to community representatives. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Kashmiri Hindu diaspora and beyond, reigniting concerns about minority safety in the conflict-prone region.

Members of Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA) Mumbai and Jammu-Kashmir Dogra Samaj stage protest at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk Vashi, against Terrorist attack on Tourist in Pahalgam, on Thursday | FPJ/ Farooq Sayed

Members of Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA) Mumbai and Jammu-Kashmir Dogra Samaj stage protest at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk Vashi, against Terrorist attack on Tourist in Pahalgam, on Thursday | FPJ/ Farooq Sayed

Hundreds gathered at the venue at 6:00 PM for a silent prayer and to express collective grief, demanding justice for the slain. Holding placards and candles, attendees stood in silence to remember those lost and to support the bereaved families.

“This is more than just a memorial — it is a stand against hate, a call for justice, and a pledge to never forget,” said one of the organizers. “Their only fault was their faith. We will not remain silent.”

Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of national unity and called upon authorities to ensure swift action and protection for vulnerable communities in Jammu and Kashmir. The emotionally charged evening concluded with a collective vow to keep the memory of the victims alive and to continue advocating for peace and justice.

The organizers reiterated that such attacks must not be normalized and that civil society has a responsibility to resist communal violence through peaceful but firm action.

Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025, 11:18 PM IST

RECENT STORIES