April 23, 2025
Just two days ago, my parents were sipping kahwa in Pahalgam, marveling at the snow-dusted pines and the serene Baisaran meadows.
They returned home on the 21st, their phones brimming with photos of what they called “India’s own Switzerland.”
Today, those same meadows are splashed across news channels for reasons no one should ever have to witness.
On April 22, suspected militants opened fire on tourists in Baisaran, near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
At least 28 people were killed and over 20 injured in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, citing opposition to the settlement of non-locals in Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
The attack occurred during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India, prompting international condemnation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have vowed justice, with Shah traveling to Srinagar to assess the situation.
A Personal Reflection
As a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, the news hit me like a punch to the gut.
My parents were just there.
They walked those paths, breathed that crisp air, and now, they watch the same places on TV, transformed into scenes of chaos and mourning.
I think of the families who lost loved ones—people who, like my parents, sought peace and beauty, only to encounter violence.
I think of the children who will grow up without parents, the parents who will bury their children.
The randomness of it all is suffocating.
The Broader Implications
This attack is not just a statistic; it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in regions long marred by conflict.
Tourism had been a beacon of hope for Kashmir, signaling a return to normalcy.
Now, that hope is shrouded in fear.
The international community has expressed solidarity.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi, assuring full support in combating terrorism.
The UAE also condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for collective action against such atrocities.
Moving Forward
In the face of such tragedy, it’s easy to feel helpless.
But perhaps the answer lies in resilience.
In continuing to visit and support the regions we love, in standing united against terror, and in cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.
For those affected, the road to healing will be long and arduous.
As a nation, we must offer support—not just in words, but in actions that promote peace, security, and understanding.
If you or someone you know is seeking information or assistance related to the Pahalgam attack, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up helpline numbers:
- Emergency Control Room – Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651
- Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar: 7006058623
Further Reading:
- The Guardian: At least 28 tourists killed by suspected militants in Kashmir attack
- Reuters: At least 20 feared killed in militant attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir
- AP News: Indian police say gunmen kill at least 26 tourists at a resort in disputed Kashmir
In memory of those lost, and in hope for a future where such tragedies are but a distant memory…
Stay safe, hold your loved ones close, and may we all find the strength to move forward.
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