Opinion | Youth vs Terrorism: How Educated Kashmiris Are Resisting Extremism

The protest against the Pahalgam killings was not an isolated reaction; it was a collective moral uprising—a sign that Kashmiris are reclaiming their voice and their values.

In the scenic yet scarred Valley of Kashmir, a powerful counter-narrative is gaining ground—one that defies decades of extremist influence and terror-driven propaganda. Today, the youth of Kashmir, particularly the educated class, are rising with clarity and courage to reject terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation. No longer silent, they are leading a revolution of thought and conscience, refusing to let their homeland be hijacked by ideologies of violence.

This shift has become increasingly visible in recent years, and never more so than after the brutal killing of tourists in Pahalgam. In the aftermath, Kashmiris took to the streets—not to protest the government, but to condemn terrorism. Candlelight vigils were held in Anantnag, Srinagar, and even in smaller towns like Baramulla, Kupwara and Pulwama. The message was clear: “Terrorists are not our heroes. Kashmiris want peace.”

The engine driving this change is education. Institutions like the University of Kashmir, Central University of Kashmir, and private colleges across the Valley have become hotbeds of progressive thought. Students are diving into disciplines like journalism, law, and political science—not to spread agitation but to understand democracy and be part of its evolution.

There is a new assertiveness among young Kashmiris who are well-read, well-informed, and unafraid to challenge the false narratives that once lured young minds toward terrorism. These students are not only excelling academically but are also forming peace clubs, civil society groups, and digital platforms to voice their stand against extremism.

Kashmiris Are With the Nation

What has become undeniable is the growing alignment of Kashmiri youth with the broader national fabric. Unlike past decades, when misinformation and foreign-backed propaganda created distance between Kashmir and the rest of India, today’s youth are embracing national integration.

The widespread public condemnation of the Pahalgam killings serves as a case in point. Locals not only denounced the attack but also helped security forces in the investigation. Religious leaders gave sermons in mosques emphasizing that Islam does not support terrorism, and community elders joined students in solidarity marches holding placards like “Tourists Are Our Guests” and “Kashmiris Are With India Against Terror.”

These actions were not politically choreographed—they were spontaneous, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in the desire for peace.

Kashmiri youth have taken control of the narrative in the digital space. While terrorist groups once misused the internet to spread extremism, educated Kashmiris now use the same medium to reject it. Influencers, educators, and journalists from the Valley are running campaigns to highlight Kashmir’s rich culture, pluralism, and stories of communal harmony.

Digital platforms are producing podcasts, short films, and blogs that tell the story of a Kashmir tired of conflict and ready to lead India in arts, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Civil society organizations, run mostly by young professionals, are providing alternatives to alienation. From organizing youth summits to career counseling drives and conflict-resolution workshops, these groups offer hope and purpose. NGOs have become powerful agents in guiding at-risk youth away from the dangerous traps of radicalization. The Valley’s youth are also reviving the cultural and spiritual essence of Kashmir that stands opposed to violence. Sufi music concerts, calligraphy exhibitions, and local poetry recitations are once again drawing crowds—especially the youth. These events are more than entertainment; they are symbolic acts of defiance against the culture of terror. Ulemas, Islamic scholars, and imams in the Valley have begun to play a key role too. In Friday sermons, many now openly declare that terrorism has no place in Islam, and that true faith demands protection of innocent lives, not their destruction.

While the progress is heartening, challenges remain. Terror groups—often propped up by foreign handlers—still attempt to exploit vulnerable youth through emotional manipulation and social media propaganda. Gaps in employment and occasional mistrust between locals and security agencies can create temporary friction.The solution lies in continued investment in youth empowerment, creating political and civic platforms for expression, and involving young Kashmiris in governance, policymaking, and entrepreneurship.What we are witnessing in Kashmir today is not merely the absence of violence. It is the birth of a new civil consciousness—one that is deliberate, inclusive, and nationally aligned. The protest against the Pahalgam killings was not an isolated reaction; it was a collective moral uprising—a sign that Kashmiris are reclaiming their voice and their values.The youth of Kashmir are showing the world that their spirit cannot be broken by violence. They are not confused, not divided—they are clear: terrorism is a betrayal of Kashmiriyat.Kashmir stands not with guns, but with pens. Not with slogans of hate, but with dreams of peace. And in this brave stand against terrorism, the youth of Kashmir are not only changing the Valley—they are strengthening the soul of the nation.

Author can be reached on zahoorkashmir2025@gmail.com