A tragic terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region has claimed the life of a Hindu Nepali citizen, casting a harsh spotlight on the dangerous consequences of hate-filled rhetoric by Pakistani military leadership. The killing of Sudeep, a Nepali national, is being widely seen as a direct fallout of the rising hostility and targeted violence against non-Islamic civilians in the region—fueled by the provocative language of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir.

In a recent speech, General Munir described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” using emotionally charged and divisive language that many believe is emboldening radical elements. His words are being interpreted as more than just political posturing; they are increasingly viewed as a green light for extremist groups to escalate attacks on civilians who do not conform to their religious or ideological framework.

This latest attack has once again raised the disturbing pattern of selective targeting—where non-Islamic civilians, particularly Hindus and foreign nationals like Nepalese citizens, are becoming victims in a long-standing conflict that they have little to do with. The killing of a peaceful, working-class Nepali individual in the midst of this violence highlights the dangerous export of Pakistani-backed extremism beyond its own borders.

For Nepal, this incident is a painful reminder that its citizens are not immune from the consequences of geopolitical games played by more powerful neighbors. As Sudeep’s body is brought back to Nepal, the nation mourns not only a personal loss but also the growing threat faced by its migrant workers and travelers in volatile regions.

The link between General Munir’s aggressive religious-political rhetoric and the increasing violence on the ground can no longer be ignored. International observers and human rights advocates are calling for accountability and immediate steps to de-escalate the dangerous sectarian undertones being promoted through state-backed narratives in Pakistan.

What happened in Pahalgam is more than an isolated act of terror—it is part of a broader, more insidious campaign of fear and division. The world must take note, and regional actors must act, before more innocent lives are lost to words turned into weapons.