Peerzada Masarat Shah
Yasterday the idyllic valley of Pahalgam, a jewel in Jammu and Kashmir’s crown, was scarred by a horrific terror attack. Innocent lives were extinguished, and the serene beauty of this Himalayan haven was momentarily overshadowed by grief and outrage. Yet, from the depths of this tragedy, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have woven a tapestry of resilience, unity, and compassion that reverberates far beyond their borders. Today a complete shutdown across the region is not merely a pause in daily life—it is a thunderous proclamation: *Not in our name.*
This collective action, embraced by every stratum of society—trade unions, religious organizations, political leaders, and ordinary citizens—stands as a testament to the valley’s unwavering rejection of violence. From the ponywalas guiding tourists along rugged trails to the hoteliers offering refuge to weary travelers, from street vendors filling the air with the scent of roasted chestnuts to shopkeepers animating bustling markets, Kashmiris have united to reveal the true essence of *Kashmiriyat*. This is a culture steeped in hospitality, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to peace, rising above the chaos to show the world what humanity can achieve in the face of horror.
The Pahalgam attack was not just an assault on innocent lives; it was an attack on the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir—a region that has long cherished its diversity and communal harmony. The perpetrators sought to sow fear and division, but they underestimated the spirit of a people forged in resilience. Today’s shutdown is a powerful symbol of mourning, but more than that, it is a defiant stand against those who would tear apart the valley’s social fabric. From the mosques of Srinagar to the temples of Jammu, from the gurdwaras of Anantnag to the churches of Baramulla, religious leaders have spoken in unison: no faith, no ideology, no cause justifies such barbarity.
This rejection of violence transcends local boundaries, embracing a universal truth: “From Pahalgam to Palestine, every human being is the same. Everyone deserves to live.” In a world often fractured by selective outrage—where condemnation hinges on politics, religion, or geography—Jammu and Kashmir’s response is a rebuke to such hypocrisy. The valley’s people have called out selective indignation for what it is: not humanity, but bigotry. Political leaders, often divided by ideology, have set aside their differences to mourn as one. Trade bodies, representing everyone from small-scale vendors to large enterprises, have shuttered their doors, not out of obligation, but out of a shared commitment to justice and peace.
In the wake of this tragedy, the J&K Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association has emerged as a pillar of hope, embodying the valley’s ethos of service. President Mir Faizan announced a groundbreaking initiative: “All tourists in need of medical care will receive FREE TREATMENT—comprehensive, emergency, and surgical—across our hospitals.” This is not merely an act of charity; it is a profound gesture of solidarity with those affected, many of whom were visitors drawn to the valley’s breathtaking landscapes. Dr. Masood ul Hassan, the association’s general secretary, added, “We are here to serve. To heal. To unite. Our dedicated teams are working around the clock.”
This commitment reflects the heart of *Kashmiriyat*—a philosophy that welcomes strangers as kin. Tourists, the lifeblood of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, have always been greeted with warmth; now, in their moment of need, they are being embraced as family. The medical community’s response is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, humanity can shine through, offering solace and hope to those in despair.
To honor the lives lost on April 22, the valley has vowed to commemorate the day annually with free medical camps across Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative will serve as both a tribute to the fallen and a reaffirmation of the region’s commitment to healing over hatred. Each April 22, these camps will stand as a living monument to the resilience of a people who choose compassion over vengeance, unity over division. It is a legacy that will endure, reminding future generations of the cost of violence and the power of collective goodwill.
The response to the Pahalgam attack has laid bare the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. Every Kashmiri, from the humblest vendor to the most prominent leader, has played a role in this extraordinary display of unity. The ponywala who closed his stable, the shopkeeper who shuttered his store, the doctor who worked tirelessly to save a stranger’s life—these are the faces of *Kashmiriyat*. They are the embodiment of a culture that has weathered centuries of hardship yet never lost its moral compass.
This unity is a message to the world: terror may strike, but it will not define us. In a global landscape marred by division, Jammu and Kashmir’s response is a clarion call for universal humanity. By condemning violence in all its forms—regardless of who perpetrates it or where it occurs—the valley sets a standard for what it means to stand for justice. “Terror has no place in our hearts,” the people declare. “Only peace, only humanity.”
As the sun sets on this day of mourning, the shutdown will end, but the resolve of Jammu and Kashmir’s people will not waver. The valley has spoken with one voice, and its message is unmistakable: terror has no religion, no ideology, no justification. It is an affront to the values that make us human.
Let the world take heed of this moment. Let it see the ponywala’s quiet solidarity, the shopkeeper’s solemn grief, the doctor’s tireless dedication. Let it hear the unified voices of religious leaders, political figures, and citizens standing against violence. And let it remember the promise of April 22’s medical camps—a pledge to heal, to honor, and to rebuild.
This is Jammu and Kashmir. This is Kashmiriyat. This is humanity.
#NotInOurName
