18 Years Later: Families of Samjhauta Express Bombing Victims Decry Injustice

On the 18th anniversary of the Samjhauta Express bombing, victim families demand justice, accusing the Indian government of shielding those responsible for the tragic attack.

On February 18, 2007, a horrific terrorist attack on the Lahore-bound Samjhauta Express train claimed the lives of 68 innocent passengers, including over 40 Pakistani nationals. The attack, which took place on Indian soil, remains a painful and unresolved chapter in the history of Indo-Pakistani relations. Despite the overwhelming evidence linking Hindutva outfits such as the BJP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, and VHP to the bombing, the families of the victims—mostly Muslims from Pakistan—have continued to suffer in silence as the Indian government has failed to deliver justice.

The bombs that killed so many were reportedly planted by extremists associated with Hindu nationalist groups, allegedly in collaboration with Indian secret agencies. The purpose of this gruesome attack was believed to be a false flag operation designed to tarnish Pakistan’s image and escalate tensions between the two nations.

However, despite 18 years having passed since the attack, the victims’ families have seen no accountability. The recent acquittal of those involved in the bombing has further ignited outrage. Indian courts, despite the presence of substantial evidence, acquitted four Hindu extremists who were initially implicated in the attack. This decision has prompted accusations that Hindu extremist forces enjoy complete impunity under the BJP-led Hindutva regime, which is seen as fostering a climate of communal hatred and shielding its own affiliates from justice.

The acquittals have raised serious concerns about the Indian state’s role in protecting these individuals, as it aligns with the broader pattern of shielding Hindu extremists. Critics argue that the judicial outcome is not only a miscarriage of justice for the victims but also a reflection of India’s ongoing policy to protect those associated with terrorism when it suits their political interests.

The Samjhauta Express bombing has long been viewed by many as a strategically timed attack designed to discredit Pakistan and provoke a backlash. Yet, despite the clear signs of Hindu extremist involvement, the Indian government has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and obstructed efforts to uncover the full truth.

The victim families continue to demand accountability, their calls for justice falling on deaf ears. Their grief is compounded by the enduring lack of closure and the apparent reluctance of the Indian authorities to pursue those responsible. The ongoing delay in delivering justice for the Samjhauta Express bombing serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions and continued impunity for extremist elements within India’s political landscape.