‘Terrorists Do Not Represent Values of Islam’: Ali Daruwala

Pune, 24th April 2025: BJP national spokesperson Ali Daruwala has issued a powerful and emotional open letter addressed to the terrorists responsible for the recent attack on civilians in Pahalgam, calling them “cowards” and “butchers” who have not only spilled innocent blood but also betrayed the very essence of humanity and Islam.

The letter, released in the early hours of Thursday, reflects Daruwala’s anguish and fury over the killing of unarmed civilians, including tourists and pilgrims, in the Kashmir valley. Writing as a “furious, broken-hearted Indian Muslim,” Daruwala strongly condemned the attackers and made it clear that they do not represent the values of Islam.

“You didn’t just target a place—you pierced through the heart of every Indian who still believes in unity, peace, and justice,” Daruwala wrote.

Coming from a family with deep roots in Maharashtra and a history of service to the nation dating back to the Peshwa era, Daruwala emphasized his patriotic lineage and his unwavering belief in India’s unity. He stated that such attacks will not divide the country or silence its people.

“Pahalgam is not just a location—it is a living memory of what India truly stands for. By spilling blood on its soil, you’ve not weakened us. You’ve reminded us of what we must protect—with more resolve than ever before,” he said.

Daruwala challenged the perpetrators’ claims of fighting for religion or ideology, stating, “You are not freedom fighters. You are not warriors. You are cowards hiding behind guns, masks, and false slogans.” He accused the attackers of misusing the name of Islam and Allah, saying that their actions are a distortion of a religion that preaches peace.

Highlighting the growing scrutiny faced by Muslims in the aftermath of such attacks, Daruwala expressed his frustration over how the actions of terrorists force ordinary Indian Muslims to live under suspicion. “You’ve tried to make it impossible for an Indian Muslim to love his country openly, freely, without being questioned. That is your real crime,” he stated.

He called upon all Indians not to confuse terrorists with their fellow Muslim citizens, urging unity and shared grief. “We are bleeding with you. We are angry with you. And we are not your enemy,” he wrote.

Concluding with a quote from the Quran — “Whoever kills an innocent person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity” (Quran 5:32) — Daruwala reiterated his message of peace and solidarity, while also vowing justice for the victims of Pahalgam.

“They tried to terrorize us. But they’ve only awakened us,” he declared.