The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has publicly applauded Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the recent Flydubai cockpit attack, describing his actions as an example of exceptional bravery in the face of a potentially catastrophic situation. The organisation also used the occasion to call for a coordinated global response to terrorism, while raising concerns over what it described as attacks motivated by religious hatred in India.
The VHP has praised Machchhar's conduct, giving him a standing ovation and portraying his actions as an important example of courage under extreme pressure. The organisation said the incident demonstrated the potential consequences of extremist violence in aviation and argued that terrorism should be confronted through coordinated international action across land, sea and air.
Addressing a press conference, VHP leader Dr Surendra Jain said India had faced what he described as radical Islamist violence for centuries. He argued that the country needed to move beyond political divisions and adopt a comprehensive approach to dealing with terrorism and violence motivated by religious hatred.
Jain also released a list claiming that 254 Hindus had been killed by “jihadis” between January 2026 and August 31, 2026. He clarified that, according to the VHP, the list contains cases that came to the attention of the media and may not represent the total number of incidents. The figure and the characterization of individual cases are claims made by the organisation and would require independent verification on a case-by-case basis.
The VHP leader further alleged that incidents targeting Hindus included attacks during religious events, violence against Hindu settlements and cases that the organisation describes as “Love Jihad”. These assertions reflect the VHP's stated position and have been contested in India's broader political and social debate.
Jain urged citizens to rise above partisan considerations and called for stronger action against organisations and individuals whom the VHP believes promote religious extremism. He also appealed to Muslim community leaders whom he described as peace-loving to reject separatist and extremist tendencies and encourage peaceful coexistence.
Among its recommendations, the VHP called for cases involving alleged religious hatred to be transferred to fast-track courts and for speedy punishment following due legal process. It also demanded stronger legal action in cases where minors are allegedly used in violent crimes, including consideration of adult treatment under applicable law for particularly serious offences.
The organisation additionally called for tighter regulation of madrasas, installation of high-resolution surveillance cameras in sensitive locations and greater monitoring of organisations and political actors that it believes encourage radicalism. Such proposals would necessarily have to operate within constitutional protections, statutory law and judicial oversight.
The VHP's statement also placed emphasis on community vigilance, particularly in areas it considers sensitive. It urged people to remain alert and said that constitutional and lawful measures should be pursued to protect citizens.
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