Opinion | Pahalgam Bloodshed: Attack on the very soul of Kashmir

In order to honor the memory of the innocent lives lost, it is imperative that we as a nation remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, unity, and the collective rejection of all forms of extremism and hatred.

This attack was not just an assault on innocent lives—it was an attack on the very soul of Kashmir. Pahalgam, known for its hospitality, spiritual calm, and breathtaking beauty, represents the essence of what Kashmir truly is: a land of peace, culture, and coexistence. By targeting civilians—both locals and visitors—the perpetrators aimed to tarnish Kashmir’s image, disrupt its revival as a tourist destination, and instill fear in the hearts of those who see it as a symbol of serenity. It was an attempt to choke the region’s heartbeat by replacing the fragrance of saffron with the smell of gunpowder, and the sound of gushing rivers with the echo of gunfire.
What was meant to be a peaceful spring afternoon in the valley of Pahalgam turned into a horrifying nightmare. On April 22, 2025, innocent lives were taken in a brutal act of terror that has left the entire nation in mourning. The tragedy has not only scarred the pristine beauty of this well-loved tourist destination but has also shaken the collective conscience of the people of India.
At least 26 civilians, including visitors and locals, were killed in a vicious terrorist attack that rocked the peaceful meadows of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. This horrible act turned a peaceful area into a tragic scene, targeting people who were taking in the area’s natural beauty. These were individuals and families who came to escape the chaos of urban life, to find serenity among pine-covered hills and gushing rivers, only to be met with terror and bloodshed.
Gunmen opened fire on unwary tourists during the attack in the well-known Baisaran meadows. Often referred to as “mini Switzerland” for its picturesque charm, Baisaran is a favorite among trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers. But on this fateful day, it became a ground of devastation and loss. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with people running in every direction, seeking cover behind rocks and trees as the sound of gunfire echoed through the valley.
Two foreigners and two locals were among the victims, underscoring the violence’s indiscriminate character. Their presence highlighted the shared appeal of Pahalgam’s beauty, transcending borders and cultures. These lives were not just numbers, they were mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and friends, whose stories were abruptly cut short.
A little-known organization called “Kashmir Resistance” has taken credit, claiming that they are against foreigners settling in the area. Their statement, filled with hate and intolerance, attempted to justify the unjustifiable. But no political agenda can excuse such barbarity. This attack is more than just a tragedy; it is a grim reminder that the forces of extremism and violence remain active, lurking in the shadows. It exposes the continuing threat to peace in Jammu and Kashmir and the need for a renewed national and international commitment to counter-terrorism.
Neither politicians nor soldiers were among the victims. They weren’t involved in any political disputes. They were friends, family, and tourists. People who believed in the beauty of life, who sought joy and calm. The attack’s savagery is a terrifying illustration of how terrorism never spares anyone and how it feeds off chaos and fear. It targets the innocent to spread its message of destruction.
The attack was swiftly denounced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also pledged that those responsible “will not be spared.” He ended his diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia and came back to speak to the country and personally assess the security situation. This move underlined the seriousness of the event and the government’s resolve. Meeting with survivors and law enforcement officials, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid a visit to the location and underlined that India will not submit to terrorism. His presence brought a sense of urgency and solidarity to the affected region.
Security forces have already launched massive operations across South Kashmir to track down the perpetrators. The Indian Army, CRPF, and local police are conducting joint operations, combing through dense forests and remote areas. Intelligence agencies are coordinating closely, and a high alert has been declared in all major transit hubs and tourist hotspots. Surveillance has been ramped up, and checkpoints have been strengthened to ensure no suspect escapes justice.
Cities around the country are holding candlelight vigils in remembrance of the victims as the country grieves. From Delhi to Mumbai, from Srinagar to Chennai, citizens are coming together in unity, lighting candles, offering prayers, and expressing their grief. There are a lot of angry and sad messages on social media. Hashtags like #PahalgamAttack and #StandWithKashmir is trending, with thousands calling for action and justice. The outpouring of grief has been matched with calls for communal harmony and unity.
The attack has also been denounced by Kashmiri residents, who have emphasized that dialogue and peace are the only ways to achieve real progress and that violence is not the voice of the people. Local leaders, civil society groups, and students have spoken out, condemning the attack and distancing themselves from those who wish to disrupt peace. Many have said this act does not represent the spirit of Kashmir, which has always been about hospitality, warmth, and coexistence.
The goal of terrorist attacks is to sow distrust, division, and terror. However, India has repeatedly demonstrated that its strength lies in its unity. The temptation to allow hate to triumph must be resisted. In moments like these, it is easy to be consumed by anger. But our greatest weapon against terrorism is our resilience and refusal to be divided.
As Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and all Indians, let us grieve together while also uniting in our opposition to terrorism in all of its manifestations. The diversity of our nation is its greatest strength. And every time terrorists try to break us, we must respond not with division, but with even greater unity.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which brutally killed innocent civilians, including tourists and locals who were only there to take in the area’s natural beauty and had nothing to do with the conflict, is something we categorically condemn. No religion, ideology, or cause can justify such an inhumane act. This terrible act of violence serves as a painful reminder of the threat that terrorism still poses to our society, in addition to being an insult to humanity and peace.
We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers for the families who have lost a loved one in an unfathomable and irrevocable way, and we stand together in grief and solidarity with them. Their pain is unimaginable, and their loss irreplaceable. As a country, we owe it to them to seek justice, not just through punishment, but by building a future where no such incident can ever happen again.
In order to honor the memory of the innocent lives lost, it is imperative that we as a nation remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, unity, and the collective rejection of all forms of extremism and hatred. We must never forget the lives lost in Pahalgam. Let their memories push us toward peace. Let their deaths remind us why we must never surrender to violence or allow hatred to define our path forward.
Writer is a social activist & a Srinagar based scholar