Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan has stirred controversy with his recent statement following India’s military retaliation against Pakistan-based terrorists. While he expressed clear support for the Indian Army’s precision strikes, he also cautioned against allowing national anger to be misdirected towards Indian Muslims—a remark that has drawn sharp criticism.
On 22 April 2025, a horrific terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists. The attack sent shockwaves throughout the nation. In response, India launched a coordinated tri-services military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’, at 1:44 AM on 7 May 2025.
According to official reports, the operation targeted nine terrorist locations with pinpoint accuracy, resulting in the deaths of 26 militants and injuring over 60 others. Among the key targets was the main training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bhagalpur, where Indian forces struck the residence of the group’s leader, Masood Azad. The attack reportedly killed 10 members of his family.
The operation received broad support from across the political spectrum, including the key opposition Congress party. Thirumavalavan also voiced his backing through a public statement, saying, “VCK support our Army action The VCK expresses its support for the Indian Army’s targeted action against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. We also reaffirm the imperative of sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation, safeguard regional peace, and work towards lasting political solutions. We urge the government to ensure that the resolve against Pakistan is not misdirected as hatred towards our own fellow citizens who follow Islam.”
VCk support our Army action
The VCK expresses its support for the Indian Army’s targeted action against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan.
We also reaffirm the imperative of sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation, safeguard regional peace, and work towards…
— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) May 7, 2025
While the VCK leader’s call for communal harmony aligns with constitutional values, critics argue that raising concerns about domestic religious tensions in the immediate aftermath of a cross-border counterterrorism strike amounts to unnecessary and divisive rhetoric. Some have accused Thirumavalavan of engaging in appeasement under the guise of secularism, particularly at a time when national unity is paramount.
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