By : Akshay Lahre
Raipur : As the nation mourns the gut-wrenching terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where civilians were reportedly targeted based on their religious identity, eminent spiritual leader Swami Abhishek Brahmachari, currently in Raipur on a two-day spiritual visit, issued a stirring appeal to all political parties and citizens: “Now is the time to rise above politics, not deepen divides.”

Calling the act “a grave wound on the soul of the nation,” Swami Brahmachari did not shy away from stating the obvious—that those who fell were chosen not by chance, but by religious profiling, an act he called “a chilling reminder of the darkness that thrives on division.”

With composure and candour, he urged all political parties, irrespective of ideology, to stand united behind the government in this moment of national crisis. “The time for argument will come. This, however, is the time for allegiance—to the nation, to the idea of India,” he declared, urging restraint in public discourse and responsibility in public office.

The monk lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swift decision to curtail his international engagement and return home following the attack, calling it “a reflection of both his leadership and emotional connect with the people.” He added, “In times like these, the Prime Minister’s action conveys more than any statement could.”

Swami Brahmachari further condemned the mindset behind such attacks, describing it as “a disease of hate that must be rejected not just by India, but by the global conscience.” He reminded all that terrorism knows no virtue—neither in ideology nor in motive—and the killing of innocents, regardless of faith, is the ultimate sacrilege.

He expressed anguish over the weaponisation of grief, stating, “It pains the nation when our shared sorrow is exploited for political optics. Humanity, not political rhetoric, must prevail.”

In a message directed to all sides, Swami Brahmachari urged restraint, reaffirmed faith in the government and security forces, and called upon the entire country to grieve together and heal as one. “Let our response not fracture the very unity the enemies seek to destroy. The fallen deserve our silence, our strength, and our solidarity,” he concluded.