Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese citizen, actor Ajith Kumar has voiced his condemnation of the violence and called for unity and peace. Speaking to ANI after receiving the Padma Bhushan award in Delhi from President Droupadi Murmu, Ajith expressed his condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the importance of empathy and mutual respect in society.

Ajith stressed the need for Indians to stand united, regardless of religious or caste differences. He urged citizens to honor the sacrifices of the armed forces by respecting every religion and caste within the country and refraining from internal conflicts. "They're working so tirelessly to safeguard our borders, and I think at least in their honour we should, within our country, learn to respect each other and respect every religion, every caste and let's not fight at least within ourselves in India," the actor stated. "Let us be one peaceful society," he added.

The actor's remarks came in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in the Baisaran Valley, which has been noted as one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack. In the aftermath of the attack, the Central government has promised severe punishment for the terrorists and conspirators responsible. The government has also taken strong diplomatic measures, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly stops supporting cross-border terrorism, closing the integrated Attari check post, and revoking all categories of visas issued to Pakistani citizens, except for long-term visas, diplomatic and official visas, effective from April 27.

Ajith also paid tribute to the armed forces for their service to the nation. "I met a lot of people from the armed forces today (Monday). I want to let them all know that we salute them for their sacrifices. They work very hard so that we are able to sleep peacefully. My heart goes out to them, and I wish them and their families a beautiful life," he said.

The actor's call for unity and respect comes at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the Pahalgam attack, with both nations expelling each other's diplomats and exchanging gunfire along their disputed border.