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Composer Salim Merchant Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack in a Social Media Post
Updated on: 24 April, 2025 04:46 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Salim Merchant
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam`s serene Baisaran Valley has sent shockwaves across India, leaving the nation grieving. On April 22, 2025, gunmen tragically opened fire on tourists, shattering the peace of the popular holiday destination. This brutal act claimed 26 innocent lives and left over 20 injured, marking it as one of the most devastating attacks in the region in recent memory. Amidst the widespread condemnation, music composer Salim Merchant voiced his anguish and strong disapproval.
Quoting directly from the Quran, Salim referenced Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256, saying, “There is no compulsion in religion.” He passionately added, “Islam doesn’t teach violence. This is not who we are.” His message aimed to counter any misrepresentation of his faith in light of the tragedy.
Salim did not mince words when expressing his personal pain and shame over the incident. “Mujhe sharam aa rahi hai as a Muslim ki yeh din dekhna padh raha hai,” he confessed, translating to, "As a Muslim, I feel ashamed that we have to see this day."
He elaborated on his heartbreak, stating that “my innocent Hindu brothers and sisters were brutally murdered simply for their identity. When will this hatred end? Kashmir had finally begun to heal, and now this. I don’t even know how to put my grief and anger into words.”
Earlier, he had posted a note reflecting the deep sorrow felt by many: “There are no words strong enough to heal the pain, no justice swift enough to undo the horror. We cry for those we lost. We ache for those left behind.” He concluded his video message with a heartfelt prayer for the victims and their families, saying, “May God give strength to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for peace in their hearts. Om Shanti.”
Also Read: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal Will Not Release in India
Other prominent figures like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan also expressed their grief and condemnation. Salman Khan wrote on X, comparing the killing of one innocent to killing humanity, while Shah Rukh Khan expressed deep sadness and called for unity and justice against the "heinous act". The collective voices from the industry underscore the shared grief and the universal call for peace and an end to such senseless violence.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap’s and Imtiaz Ali’s daughters Visited Pahalgam Before The Attack
Salim Merchant`s Heartfelt Condemnation
In a moving video shared on Instagram, a visibly emotional Salim Merchant strongly condemned the horrific violence. He drew a clear line between terrorism and religion, emphasising that the perpetrators do not represent Islam. “The innocent people were killed in Pahalgam because they were Hindus. Are the killers Muslims? No. They are terrorists,” he stated firmly.Quoting directly from the Quran, Salim referenced Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256, saying, “There is no compulsion in religion.” He passionately added, “Islam doesn’t teach violence. This is not who we are.” His message aimed to counter any misrepresentation of his faith in light of the tragedy.
Salim did not mince words when expressing his personal pain and shame over the incident. “Mujhe sharam aa rahi hai as a Muslim ki yeh din dekhna padh raha hai,” he confessed, translating to, "As a Muslim, I feel ashamed that we have to see this day."
He elaborated on his heartbreak, stating that “my innocent Hindu brothers and sisters were brutally murdered simply for their identity. When will this hatred end? Kashmir had finally begun to heal, and now this. I don’t even know how to put my grief and anger into words.”
Earlier, he had posted a note reflecting the deep sorrow felt by many: “There are no words strong enough to heal the pain, no justice swift enough to undo the horror. We cry for those we lost. We ache for those left behind.” He concluded his video message with a heartfelt prayer for the victims and their families, saying, “May God give strength to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for peace in their hearts. Om Shanti.”
Also Read: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal Will Not Release in India
Industry Stands in Solidarity
Salim Merchant`s powerful stance resonated within the entertainment industry. Comedian and actor Munawar Faruqui showed his unequivocal support by reposting Salim’s video on his Instagram story, captioning it simply with ‘facts!’. Munawar also shared his own poignant message, condemning the violence and lamenting the recurring tragedies in the region.Other prominent figures like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan also expressed their grief and condemnation. Salman Khan wrote on X, comparing the killing of one innocent to killing humanity, while Shah Rukh Khan expressed deep sadness and called for unity and justice against the "heinous act". The collective voices from the industry underscore the shared grief and the universal call for peace and an end to such senseless violence.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap’s and Imtiaz Ali’s daughters Visited Pahalgam Before The Attack
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