The terror attack once again shook every human conscience, this time targeting unarmed, innocent civilians. This inhuman act has sent shockwaves across the world, prompting strong condemnations. Condemnation is necessary, but actions speak louder than words—and today, action was seen in the aftermath of this barbaric attack on tourists, with full support from the locals and the Valley as a whole.
From social media to the streets and in every home, people have rejected and condemned terrorism in all its forms. Kashmir mourned and observed a shutdown, with massive protests against the killing of innocents, sending a strong message to the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
Every human soul is shaken by the bloodshed in Pahalgam, where innocent lives were lost. Such an inhuman attack has not been witnessed since the Pulwama tragedy. This time, the people of Kashmir have gained clarity—the attackers are the true enemies of Kashmir, and a clear, unified message has been sent: Terrorism has no place here.
This cunning attack is not only against human beings and their identities, but also against our brotherhood, fraternity, Kashmiriyat, and the hospitality for which Kashmir is known. Let it be clear to every human being that beyond all identities, Kashmiris and humanity as a whole cannot tolerate the bloodshed of innocent people, at any time or any place. Such heinous crimes not only put your identity, humanity, and civilization into question, but also drag your business, integration, and progress into ruin.
Since the abrogation of Article 370, with the support of the government, Kashmir has experienced a sense of relief from terrorism and the killing of innocents. Every Kashmiri has not only welcomed the changing scenario—from turmoil to peace—but has also actively participated in the progress and development of the country.
“An unambiguous, unconditional, and unrestrained condemnation is the least, and the first, response” we can offer from our homes and local communities. These words, from the Greater Kashmir editorial touched my heart, empowered me, and encouraged me to recognize the powerful tool in the hands of unarmed civilians: to condemn this heinous act through protest, support for the security forces, and the identification and handover of those evil elements who stand against the happiness and peace of Kashmir. This effort requires the support of every local in Kashmir. This is a matter of humanity, and humanity knows no religion.
It is a matter of fact that the death of humanity is the death of the entire human mechanism. Today, we see life paralyzed in Kashmir, innocent blood crying out to the skies, and my fifth-grade daughter is once again asking, “Why do we have a holiday?”—and I am unable to explain why. This “why” is something that I and my fellow Kashmiris do not want to hear again. There must be cooperation and coordination for the sake of happiness and humanity.
I will not just say that these innocent deaths affect our tourism and trade—they strike at our identity and our shared human values. If we do not stand tall today and denounce terrorism in all its forms, we risk losing everything.
As a local, I strongly condemn the inhuman attack on innocents in Pahalgam on every platform, and I urge every Kashmiri to do the same.
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