Hindus, Muslims take on Kolkata streets condemning Pahalgam attack

The killing of Hindu tourists in the recent Pahalgam terror attack has triggered widespread anger and protests across Kolkata. On Saturday, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) South Bengal unit organized a major protest rally, starting from Sealdah station and culminating at Dharmatala. Simultaneously, members of the Muslim community gathered in Rajabazar to condemn the same incident and raise their voice against terrorism.

The VHP protest, marked by saffron flags and posters of slain tourist Bitan Adhikari, drew saints, monks, and members from across the region, including Howrah and Behala. The march began at Sealdah station, continued over the flyover, and saw another gathering at College Square. Both groups later converged on Dharmatala in a unified outcry against the violence in Kashmir.

Fiery slogans like "Hindu Hindu bhai bhai" and “We will wrap up the skins of Pakistan’s brokers” echoed through the streets. A visibly emotional sadhu declared, “Hindus are being oppressed in Kashmir and Bengal. If they think Hindu organizations are weak, they are mistaken.”

Meanwhile, in a rare moment of parallel outrage, members of the Muslim community also held a protest at Rajabazar, strongly condemning the terror strike. They raised slogans against Pakistan and the attack on innocent civilians, calling for justice for the victims and unity against terrorism.

The dual protests, although from different communities, reflected a shared grief and anger at the loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam attack. Bitan Adhikari, whose photograph was prominently displayed in the VHP march, has become a tragic symbol of the latest victim of cross-border terrorism.