Amsterdam: Geert Wilders, the outspoken leader of the Netherlands’ right-wing PVV Freedom Party, swiftly responded on Monday to the tragic terrorist assault in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, primarily pilgrims hailing from Uttar Pradesh, as terrorists unleashed gunfire upon them.
In a resolute message posted on the social media platform X, Wilders emphasized, “Don’t allow Pakistani terrorists in the Kashmir Valley to kill Hindus. Protect your people India!”
Wilders has consistently drawn attention to the issue of terrorism originating from Pakistan and has underscored the challenges faced by Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, both Muslim-majority nations.
Earlier this year, Wilders expressed solidarity with Nupur Sharma, a former spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party, amidst controversy surrounding alleged derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. In a notable gesture, Wilders engaged in a telephonic conversation with Sharma, regarding her as “a symbol of freedom, not only for India but for the whole free world.”
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Living under police protection for years due to numerous death threats arising from his outspoken stance against Islam, Wilders has shifted residences frequently, residing in safe houses for nearly two decades, as reported by Sky News.
“I have received numerous fatwas from Pakistan and Arab Imams, but I am not afraid,” Wilders asserted last year.
Following his party’s notable success in national elections last year, Wilders’ party has gained prominence, securing a position within a coalition government for the first time.
Recent polls in The Netherlands indicated a significant rise in support for Wilders’ anti-immigration, eurosceptic stance, with his party claiming second place in the EU elections, according to exit polls.
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However, final results revealed a Labour/GreenLeft coalition leading with eight seats, slightly ahead of Wilders’ party with six seats, as per estimates based on the majority of votes counted.
Meanwhile, authorities have identified the victims of the heinous terror attack on a bus transporting pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. Among the casualties are four individuals from Rajasthan, including a two-year-old child, and three from Uttar Pradesh.
Read More | Terrorist Attack in J&K: 9 Dead, 33 Injured as Bus Carrying Pilgrims Falls into Gorge
Of the 41 pilgrims receiving medical attention in hospitals across Jammu and Reasi districts, ten have sustained gunshot wounds. The assailants opened fire on the bus, carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, around 6:10 pm on Sunday, resulting in nine fatalities and numerous injuries.
