Delhi Red Fort Blast Sparks Grief and Unity as Global Hindu Leaders Condemn Terror

A City Shaken, A Nation United

A powerful car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, one of India’s most treasured landmarks, has claimed at least 13 lives, leaving the nation reeling. The blastdescribed by authorities as deliberate and devastatinghas sparked a wave of condemnation from both Indian and South African Hindu communities, calling for unity against terror and the misuse of faith for violence.

The timing of the explosion has raised deep concern. It came just hours after Faridabad police dismantled a terror module allegedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, seizing nearly three tonnes of explosives and arresting two doctors from Jammu and Kashmir. Investigators suspect the arrests may have triggered the network’s retaliation near the Red Fort.

The 17th-century monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of India’s independence, now stands as both a crime scene and a reminder of the resilience of a nation that has faced terror beforeand refused to bow.

South African Hindu Leaders Condemn Terror and Call for Unity

Across the Indian Ocean, leaders of South Africa’s Hindu community have expressed deep sorrow and solidarity. Professor Brij Maharaj of the South African Maha Sabha said they shared “the grief of the people of India during this painful time,” calling terrorism a betrayal of humanity.

“We strongly condemn all acts of violence and extremism, which have no place in any society or religion,” he said. “We stand in solidarity with the victims and reaffirm our commitment to peace and harmony.”

Pradeep Ramlall of the Hindu Association of South Africa echoed that sentiment, praising India’s resolve and warning that terror would not divide its people. “Your attempt to sow fear will not succeed. India and its people will not bow to acts of terror,” he said, adding that Operation Sindoor symbolised India’s determination to bring justice to those responsible.

Doctors Turned Suspects: A Betrayal of Trust

Perhaps the most disturbing revelation from the investigation is that two practising doctors were among those arrested. Amit More, president of the Sadafal Foundation, called this “a shocking breach of trust,” highlighting the sacred role doctors play in saving lives, not taking them.

“The use of medical professionals as a front for terror activity represents a deep moral and ethical corruption,” he said. “But we must remember that the actions of a radicalised few do not define the medical fraternity.”

He added that the incident underscored a national crisis: “The brainwashing of educated youth using religion as a tool must stop. Radical elements exploiting faith for violence are a grave danger to peace and unity.”

A Global Warning: Vigilance Over Complacency

Renuka Singh of the Hindu Association of the Western Cape called the attack “a stark reminder that religion-based terrorism continues to poison humanity,” urging global vigilance.

“There are people who live among us, smiling and blending in, yet harbouring hatred,” she said. “We must not turn a blind eye. Interfaith communities must challenge hypocrisy and confront those who preach harmony but stay silent on violence.”

Satish Komal, chairperson of the Lotus Economic Forum, said it was time the world stopped treating terror incidents as distant problems. “The sooner we remove our blinkers, the better,” he said. “We need real, coordinated strategies to combat this evil, not just condolences.”

Delhi’s History of Resilience

For Delhi residents, tragedy is not unfamiliar. Rahul Kaushik, president of the India South Africa Chamber of Commerce, reminded the public of the capital’s history of endurancefrom the 2001 Parliament attack to the coordinated bombings in 2005 and 2008 that killed dozens.

“Delhites have always responded with courage and compassion,” Kaushik said. “We trust India’s top-class security forces to uncover the truth behind this attack. The people of Delhi will, as always, rise againstronger, united, and unafraid.”

Standing Together in a Time of Darkness

As investigators continue to piece together the events behind the Red Fort explosion, one sentiment echoes from Delhi to Durban: grief mixed with determination.

From spiritual leaders to business communities, voices across continents are calling for the same thingpeace, vigilance, and an end to the exploitation of religion for destruction.

In the face of terror, India and its allies stand firm: divided we fall, but united, we endure.

{Source:IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com