Opinion | Whether someone kills a soldier, policeman, common man, or any other innocent person, I don’t hesitate to call them a terrorist. Outrage against recent terrorist activities in JK.

Student activist Shahid Israr from Kupwara:- Every Kashmiri boy of my age has lost his childhood to Pakistan-backed terrorism in Kashmir. From the very beginning, Pakistan has aimed to keep Kashmir unstable, underdeveloped, and in turmoil. Since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the valley has seen peace, progress, and development, which Pakistan and its allies find hard to accept because their agendas thrive on instability and violence in Kashmir. The recent terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups are strongly condemned by every common Kashmiri. The violence and unrest have claimed many lives, and the people of Kashmir do not want to see this happen again. Instead, they seek peace, progress, development, and full academic calendars. They stand hand-in-hand with the government to eradicate terrorism from the valley. The true intentions of Pakistan are now evident to everyone in the world, what they have done to PoK, they intend to do in Kashmir as well. We will not allow terrorism sponsored by Pakistan and its allies to take root in Kashmir again.

Syed Jahazaib, writer and author from Baramulla The people of Kashmir have now realized that violence and unrest have only brought us graveyards and nothing else. I believe that if one doesn’t raise their voice against terrorism, they are equally culpable. Whether someone kills a soldier, policeman, common man, or any other innocent person, I don’t hesitate to call them a terrorist. I firmly believe that Kashmir would have progressed significantly and competed with the rest of the country had it not been for Pakistan’s influence. I cannot forgive or forget these recent terror attacks by Pakistan-based agencies, and I strongly condemn them. Pakistan has always tried to push Kashmiris into despair. If we compare PoK with this part of Kashmir, the difference is stark. For example, we have more than ten universities in our valley, while they have just one or two. We are truly thankful to God that we belong to this part of Kashmir. Once again, I say, may the perpetrators of the recent terror attacks rot in hell.
Aafiya Bhat, a women activist from Srinagar The government of India has taken significant steps to empower common Kashmiris, particularly post-2019. For example, the G20 event was a significant representation of peace in the valley. Pakistan cannot tolerate a peaceful Kashmir because it doesn’t fit their narrative, as their funding comes from an unstable and violent Kashmir. The time has now come when Kashmiris understand the importance of peace. Since the abrogation in 2019, we have seen a huge influx of tourists, which has benefited tea stall owners, hoteliers, Kehwa sellers, Shikara men, houseboat owners, taxi drivers, and other daily workers. For a common man who today sees his son or daughter going to school or college daily and following a full academic calendar, it is truly a dream come true. We want this peaceful Kashmir to sustain forever, and we strongly condemn every act of terrorism by Pakistan for their vested interests.

Fasil Mohi din from Central University as students representative: Kashmiris have long suffered due to Pakistan-backed terrorism, losing countless lives and opportunities. Since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, there has been a notable shift towards peace and development in the valley. Events like the G20 summit showcased this newfound tranquillity, which Pakistan finds hard to accept because their narrative thrives on instability. Tourism has flourished, benefiting everyone from tea stall owners to taxi drivers. For many, seeing their children attend school regularly and follow a full academic calendar is a dream come true. Kashmiris now understand the importance of peace and firmly stand against terrorism.

Firdous Ahmad Ananthnag, a commoner: We urge Pakistan to stop its infiltration and terrorism, and to let us live our lives in peace. They should focus on their own issues, like the soaring inflation in their country. A common Kashmiri supports the security forces and does not provide shelter to Pakistani terrorists, as demonstrated in the recent Hadipora Baramulla encounter. We want a peaceful Kashmir to endure and condemn every act of terror perpetrated by Pakistan for their vested interests.