There’s a kind of peace that only mountains can offer. In the lush green meadows of Pahalgam, with pine trees standing tall and snow still whispering on distant peaks, families laughed, children played, and memories were being made.
And then—silence was broken by gunfire.
On April 22, 2025, that silence turned into screams. At least 28 tourists were killed and dozens injured in a horrifying terrorist attack in Baisaran, a beloved spot nestled in the heart of Kashmir. The attackers didn’t care who they hit—mothers, children, couples, even a brave Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau agent. Their only aim was fear.
A Scene No One Should Ever Witness
Those who survived say they’ll never forget what they saw. Tourists ran for cover behind trees and rocks, some shielding their children with their bodies. “One minute we were taking pictures. The next, people were falling beside us,” said a survivor from Pune.
And what makes it worse? This wasn't a warzone. This was supposed to be a vacation, a celebration of life.
Who Did This—And Why?
The attackers are believed to be part of a militant group with ties outside India. While investigations are ongoing, initial reports suggest they wanted to target “outsiders” and disrupt peace in the valley.
What they ended up doing was breaking hearts across the country.
A Nation in Mourning
From Delhi to Dibrugarh, people lit candles and held vigils. Political leaders—across parties—expressed their grief and anger. Prime Minister Modi called it a “cowardly attack on humanity.” Social media turned into a digital memorial: photos of the victims, prayers from strangers, and one repeated message—“This should never happen again.”
But grief isn’t enough. Justice is needed. Answers are needed.
Kashmir’s Wounded Soul
Tourism is the lifeline of Kashmir. It brings not just money but dignity to local lives. After years of tension, there was hope again—hotels reopening, treks being planned, young locals turning into guides and storytellers.
Now that hope has been shaken. Tourists are canceling bookings. Locals are heartbroken—not just for the lives lost, but for what their home is becoming known for.
What Happens Now?
There are no easy answers. Security needs to be tightened. Intelligence needs to work faster. But most importantly, humanity needs to win. Kashmiris don’t want violence. Tourists don’t want politics. Everyone just wants peace.
Let this not be another news cycle we forget in a week. Let it be the moment we decide as a nation: no more lives lost to hate.
"To the victims of the Pahalgam attack: you were not just tourists. You were family, friends, and future stories that will now never be told. We will remember you."
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