AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi wore a black armband while offering Friday prayers in Hyderabad protesting the Pahalgam terror attack, calling on Muslims throughout the country to emulate the symbolic gesture against terrorism. His appeal came before the congregational Juma Namaz, where he repeated the call for unity, stating, "We must send a strong message to foreign forces that Indians won't let them weaken our peace."
Owaisi, who had visited an all-party meeting convened by the Centre earlier, had condemned the exclusion of smaller parties from the meeting, stating that "terrorism is a national issue, not a BJP-Congress matter."
The Pahalgam assault, carried out by a Hafiz Saeed-associated Lashkar-e-Taiba module, killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen.
Owaisi condemned the attackers' "religious profiling" of victims and endorsed India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming it as, "We welcome strong action against countries providing shelter to terrorists." He raised questions about security lapses, asking why CRPF quick reaction teams took one hour to arrive at Baisaran meadow, where tourists were attacked.
Simultaneously, Lucknow’s Muslim community held candle marches, echoing Owaisi’s appeal.
The UP Congress postponed protests against the BJP, opting for statewide candle marches to honor victims. Security agencies identified three suspects—two Pakistanis (Hashim Musa, Ali Bhai) and a local (Abdul Thokar)—announcing a ₹20 lakh bounty for information.
