Disturbing video footage of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Musa calling for bloodshed has resurfaced following Tuesday’s terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 tourists’ lives. Just four days before the assault, Musa delivered an inflammatory speech at a rally in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Rawalkot that now appears ominously connected to the tragedy.
During the April 18 gathering in Khai Gala, Musa declared: “India removed Article 370 and 35A to change the demography. You deployed your 10 lakh army. You wanted to echo ‘Ram Ram’ in Pulwama, Poonch, Rajouri. Lashkar-e-Taiba accepts your challenge.” He continued with the violent threat, “Try it. Inshallah, we will shower bullets, slit your necks, and honour the sacrifices of our martyrs.”
A Rally of Hate
The event was organized as a “tribute conference” for two slain militants but served as a platform for explicit calls to terrorism. Musa, who leads the so-called Jammu Kashmir United Movement, made no attempt to disguise his violent intentions as his inflammatory rhetoric was met with applause from attendees.
"Jihad Will Continue, Guns Will Rage And Beheadings Will Continue In JK" Declared LeT Commander Abu Musa.
Terrorists Spewed Venom At The Venue Of The Akif Haleem (Eliminated LeT Terrorist) Tribute Conference.
📍Location: Khai Gala, Rawalkot, PioJK, Date: 18-04-2025#Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/aD8dHPodRB— KEVIV AMRAHS💎 (@ViviLovesIndia) April 23, 2025
Following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan issued a statement expressing condolences: “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in the Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
‘No Link to Attack,’ Claims Pakistan Defence Minister
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied any Pakistani involvement in the incident, stating, “Pakistan has no link with the Pahalgam terror attack. We reject terrorism in all its forms.” Asif suggested the attack stemmed from internal Indian unrest, claiming, “The Central government in India is facing protests in many states Nagaland, Manipur, Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh. This attack appears home-grown, a result of internal exploitation.”
While asserting Pakistan’s zero-tolerance position on terrorism, Asif added, “We do not support terrorism in any form. Locals should never be targets. But if local forces are acting against the Indian government, Pakistan becomes an easy scapegoat.”
Also read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Suspected terrorist’s Sketches Released
Backlash Over Terror Group’s Statement
The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group released a statement filled with anti-India rhetoric, attempting to justify the violence by citing demographic changes in Kashmir due to tourism and alleged “illegal domiciles.”
Indian officials have strongly condemned these justifications, describing the incident as a cowardly attack targeting civilians that threatens regional peace and economic stability.
Security forces have launched a massive manhunt in the hilly, forested terrain surrounding Pahalgam to locate the perpetrators. The area has been cordoned off with operations ongoing under the supervision of top officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag.