The serene meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, a jewel of Kashmir’s tourism, were stained with blood on April 22, 2025, when Pakistani terrorists unleashed a cowardly attack, killing two innocent tourists and injuring over 20 others. This barbaric act, targeting unarmed visitors who came to experience Kashmir’s beauty, has sent shockwaves through the region and beyond. The unified condemnation from leaders—Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, opposition figures like Mehbooba Mufti and Sajad Lone, and BJP’s Ravinder Raina—echoes the outrage of every Kashmiri. Yet, condemnation alone is not enough. The people of Kashmir, whose livelihoods depend on peace and tourism, demand a relentless war against these beasts who seek to shatter our harmony.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the attack site, a clear signal that this is no ordinary tragedy. As BJP leader Ravinder Raina stated, these “cowardly Pakistani terrorists” lack the courage to confront our brave security forces, instead preying on defenseless guests. Reports suggest the attackers may have targeted victims based on their identity, with one survivor recounting a chilling detail: “They dragged my husband out & shot him telling something like he was not a Muslim.” Such acts of hate reveal the perpetrators’ utter disregard for humanity, faith, or the sanctity of Kashmir’s tradition of hospitality.
This attack is not just a personal loss for the victims’ failies; it is a calculated assault on Kashmir’s economy and spirit. Tourism, as Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Masood Itoo noted, is the lifeblood of our people, bringing business and revenue. The timing, coinciding with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India, suggests a deliberate attempt to tarnish Kashmir’s image globally. Compounding the crisis, the national highway at Ramban remains blocked due to flash floods, choking the flow of goods and connectivity. On one front, nature challenges us; on another, these terrorists exploit our vulnerabilities.
The common Kashmiri craves peace, not bloodshed. As Sajad Lone emphasized, “These tourists are our revered guests.” To attack them is to defile our honor and jeopardize our future. Words of condolence, while heartfelt, cannot restore the lives lost or secure the safety of those who visit our land. The joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF is a critical step, but it must be bolstered by a societal uprising. We call on every Kashmiri—leader, citizen, and youth—to take to the streets, not in anger, but in a powerful declaration of defiance against these Pakistani terrorists. Let us show the world that Kashmir will not bow to fear.
To the terrorists and their handlers across the border: your actions have no place in our faith or our land. You are enemies of peace and progress, and your cowardice will be your downfall. To the people of Kashmir: let us unite, protect our guests, and reclaim the tranquility that defines our home. The time for mere words is over. The time to act—together, fearlessly—is now.
