RSS Chief Bhagwat on Pahalgam Attack: ‘Strength Is Key to Hindu Safety'

National News: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025, underscored the need for Hindu society to build strength to ensure its safety. Speaking in Mumbai on April 24, 2025, Bhagwat stated, “Until Hindus themselves become strong, no one in the world will care for their safety.” He condemned the attack, where terrorists targeted victims after identifying their religion, framing it as an assault on dharma itself and urging Hindus to unite against such threats.

Context of the Pahalgam Tragedy
The Pahalgam attack, executed in Baisaran meadow, was attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The selective targeting of Hindu tourists sparked nationwide outrage, prompting India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7, which destroyed nine terror camps. Bhagwat praised the operation as a “beginning of justice,” emphasizing that India’s decisive action restored national morale. He stressed that strength, not just non-violence, is essential to deter future attacks, drawing parallels to historical battles where dharma triumphed through resolve.

Unity and Societal Resilience
Bhagwat called for societal unity to counter anti-national conspiracies, warning against divisive narratives that weaken India. He urged citizens to support government efforts and remain vigilant, noting that local Kashmiris’ heroic actions—sheltering and aiding victims—demonstrated communal harmony despite attempts to incite strife. He cautioned against media-driven polarization, advocating for a cohesive society rooted in Hindu values of global welfare.

A Broader Vision for India
Highlighting India’s role as a global “elder brother,” Bhagwat linked Hindu strength to national security and cultural pride. He cited Operation Sindoor’s success, using indigenous defense systems, as proof of India’s growing might. By advocating for internal unity and external assertiveness, Bhagwat’s message aims to fortify Hindu society against threats while reinforcing India’s commitment to peace through power.