Bengaluru Citizens Alliance Slams Security Failure in Pahalgam Attack, Demands Accountability and Compensation

BCA Calls Attack a “National Disgrace” and Urges Immediate Government Action

Bengaluru, 26 April 2025 — The Bengaluru Citizens Alliance (BCA), a collective of prominent Muslim scholars and civil society leaders, has issued a sharp condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of several civilians, including tourists. In a strongly-worded memorandum submitted to the Hon’ble Home Minister, the organization demanded a transparent investigation into the attack, strict action against the perpetrators, and robust support for the victims’ families.

“Cowardly and Barbaric Act”

Labeling the assault as a “cowardly and barbaric act,” BCA leaders expressed profound grief and solidarity with the victims’ families. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Convenor Maulana Asif Khan stated, “We share the pain of the victims equally, for we are all Indians first. This attack is a stain on the nation’s conscience and must be treated as such.”

Questioning the Security Apparatus

The BCA raised critical questions over the security lapses that enabled the attack in a region often touted as “normal and secure” post the abrogation of Article 370.
“How could such a high-profile tourist location be left so vulnerable?” the memorandum asked. The leaders also questioned government narratives about improved security in Kashmir, highlighting the contradiction exposed by the attack.

Eyewitness Accounts Highlight Inaction

The memorandum cited the tragic case of Aadil, a local Muslim youth who reportedly resisted the militants but was left without aid for over an hour. Witnesses recounted how victims were slaughtered mercilessly as security forces failed to respond promptly.
“This is not just a failure of vigilance; it is a failure of humanity,” the BCA stated.

Key Demands Put Forward

The Bengaluru Citizens Alliance outlined the following major demands:

• Transparent, time-bound investigation into the security failure.

• Compensation of at least ₹1 crore and a government job for each victim’s family.

• Strict and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

• Enhanced security measures across Jammu & Kashmir to protect civilians and tourists.

• Action against fringe and communal elements attempting to communalize the tragedy and spread hatred via media narratives.

Warning Against Communal Polarization

In a notable remark, BCA warned against attempts to frame the tragedy in a Hindu-Muslim narrative, pointing fingers at fringe groups and irresponsible television channels that are allegedly trying to sow communal discord.
“We reject all efforts to divide our society. This is a national issue, not a communal one,” emphasized Syed Mazhar Qadri, Joint Convenor of BCA.

A Call for Unity and Justice

Concluding their address, the BCA leaders called on the government, media, and citizens to unite in ensuring justice for the victims and to uphold peace, security, and communal harmony in these trying times.
“Our collective conscience must rise above politics. Justice delayed will only embolden the enemies of peace,” the memorandum read.

🎙️ Key QUOTES

• Maulana Asif Khan, Convenor, BCA:
  “The Pahalgam attack is a national disgrace. Innocent lives were lost, not because of lack of bravery, but because of systemic negligence.”

• Syed Mazhar Qadri, Joint Convenor, BCA:
  “Terrorism knows no religion. Those trying to communalize this tragedy are enemies of India’s unity.”

• BCA Memorandum Statement:
  “We demand a transparent probe, strict punishment for the culprits, and justice that is both swift and visible to all.”

• Press Meet Highlight:
  “Security must be tightened across Jammu & Kashmir. Tourists and locals must not live under the shadow of fear.”

❓ Q&A Section 

Q: What does BCA demand from the government regarding the Pahalgam attack?
A: A transparent investigation, ₹1 crore compensation and government jobs for victims’ families, tighter security, and action against communal narratives.

Q: Why is BCA criticizing the post-Article 370 “normalcy” narrative?
A: The Pahalgam attack exposes glaring security failures, contradicting official claims of stability in Kashmir.

Q: What is BCA’s stance on the communalization of the incident?
A: BCA firmly rejects any Hindu-Muslim framing of the tragedy and urges unity against terrorism.

🗂️ CONTEXT & BACKGROUND

• The Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025) killed several civilians and tourists in a heavily frequented tourist area of Kashmir.

• The region was declared “normal” by authorities after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, yet militant activities persist.

• Bengaluru Citizens Alliance (BCA), a non-political social platform, has been active in raising voices against injustice, especially where minorities are targeted.

• Their memorandum demands not only justice for victims but also cautions against communal divisions being stoked by certain media outlets and fringe groups.

#PahalgamAttack #JusticeForVictims #AccountabilityNow #SecurityFailure
#BengaluruCitizensAlliance #SayNoToTerrorism #UnityAgainstTerror #StopCommunalPolitics