Karnataka Minister Sparks Row by Dismissing Pahalgam Survivors’ Claims Of Religious Targeting

Karnataka Excise Minister RB Timmapur ignited controversy on Saturday by dismissing the accounts of Pahalgam attack survivors, stating that a terrorist "could not have asked their religion" before opening fire.

The April 22 attack in Kashmir resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/rammappa.btimmapur

"Be it in Kargil, Pulwama or here, there has been a (security) failure. If you see this...A Hindu being shot after their ID cards were checked. Why weren't Muslims killed if you [the BJP] want to politicise any deaths? What will be the state of this nation?" the Congress leader remarked.

Survivors have claimed that the terrorists forced them to recite the 'Kalma' or stripped them to verify their religious identity before carrying out the killings.

"She (Shivamogga victim Manjunath's wife Pallavi) said that Muslims saved her son. See, as a result of the tragedy, her mind might have lost a bit of control. But overall, if you look at it, how many Muslims have saved Hindus? If you ask me then, why were Muslims killed by terrorists then?" Timmapur said.

He added, "Which person will ask one's caste and shoot? Is it possible? Think practically. He will go about shooting, who will have the patience to ask about one's religion when shooting?"

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R Ashoka responded on X: "The hearts of the INCKarnataka party are beating for the fanatical Muslim terrorists of sinful 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇵🇰 ). Hindutva is the reason for the Pahalgam terrorist attack: @irobertvadra. There is no need for war. We are for peace: CM @siddaramaiah. There are misguided people in all religions: Minister @PriyankKharge. The removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir is the reason for the Pahalgam massacre: Congress MLA Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda. Will the attackers listen to religion? : Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapura."

Meanwhile, after facing criticism for urging the Indian government to enhance security in Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified: "I never said there should be no war with Pakistan, if a war is inevitable, it will happen...I just said that for now, there should be no war."

On Sunday, during his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the "toughest" punishment for terrorists and their supporters, assuring the families of the Pahalgam attack victims that "justice will be served."

He further noted that Kashmir has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, with a boom in tourism and opportunities for young people, and described the Pahalgam attack as a desperate attempt by the nation's enemies to hinder the region's progress.