Kashmiriyat Stands Strong: Amid Shutdown, Community Unites in Grief and Defiance to Honor Victims of Terrorist Attack
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, April 23 ; With tears in everyone’s eyes, hearts across the nation bleed after the deadliest terror attack struck South Kashmir’s Pahalgam, a serene resort. Enemies of peace targeted innocent tourists, killing 28 and injuring many others.
The attack has shaken Kashmir to its core, condemned as an assault on *insaniyat* (humanity), musalmaniyat, and Kashmiriyat (Kashmiri ethos). This heinous act has not only shamed Kashmir but the entire world, leaving hearts bleeding globally. The terrorists, devoid of religion, humanity, and faith, shattered dreams and robbed peace. Yet, amid grief and tearless eyes, the spirit of Kashmiriyat, *insaniyat*, and *musalmaniyat* stands resilient, uniting people in defiance to honor the victims.
On Wednesday, the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir observed a complete shutdown in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam massacre.
For the first time since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the Kashmir Valley witnessed a total *hartal* (shutdown). Shops, schools, and offices closed, and roads emptied as people protested the cowardly terror attack on tourists.
Kashmir’s bustling tourist hubs turned into ghost towns, with shuttered businesses and silent streets. Srinagar and other major towns across the valley wore a deserted look. Markets remained closed, marking the first such collective protest in years.
“We had forgotten the times when shutdowns used to occur in Kashmir, but today, the entire region has shut down for the Pahalgam Massacre. We stand in solidarity with the victims,” said Salman Ahmad, a trader in Lal Chowk, the busiest market in the city.
He added, “This incident has shaken all of Kashmir. The entire region is mourning with tears of blood, and everyone here stands united against terrorism and terrorists.”
“Today, the whole of Kashmir is witnessing humanity and Islamic values. Transporters, business owners—everyone is ensuring that tourists are accompanied everywhere, staying by their side to prevent any inconvenience,” said Hakeem ul Haq, a local resident.
He emphasized, “We cannot bring back those we have lost, but the entire Kashmir condemns this act. We are united in raising our voices against terrorism. Kashmir is a land of humanity—whether Sikh, Hindu, or followers of any other faith, we are all one. Protecting everyone is our collective duty. Those behind this terror attack must be taught a lesson to ensure such a tragedy never recurs.”
Meanwhile, Expressing shock and anguish against the despicable attack, the chief minister announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, ₹2 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries. “This barbaric and senseless act of brutality against innocent civilians has no place in our society. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. We mourn the precious lives lost,” he said.
He said all arrangements for the dignified transport of the victims back to their homes have been made and the injured are being provided the best medical care. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We share in your grief and stand by you in this dark hour. But terror will never break our resolve, and we will not rest until those behind this barbarity are brought to justice,” he said.
“Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if he has slain mankind entirely. Another day of carnage in the blood-soaked history of Kashmir when visiting tourists are mercilessly killed in the most gruesome manner. Such gruesomeness is abhorred in Islam said all major mainstream parties, including the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, and Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Mutahida Majlis Ulama.
Meanwhile, With Anger in Kashmir, Marches, protests held in the valley over Pahalgam Massacre.
Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said that people across all the districts in Kashmir Valley condemned the attack and demanded stern action against the terrorists involved in the act.
People across north, south, and central Kashmir staged candlelight protest marches against the killings of tourists.
Peaceful protests and candlelight marches were reported from different places in Kashmir, including Shopian, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Srinagar.
Reports said that people from all walks of life participated in the peaceful candlelight march and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased.
Reports further said that the general public who participated in the long candlelight march across Kashmir shouted slogans against the terrorists, terrorism and showed solidarity with the families of the victims.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch, a group of protestors expressed their disheartenment towards the attack on on tourists by what they referred to as “Jihadis” and “Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.” The protestors emphasized the need for the government to impose stricter measures against these terrorists, as well as their followers who still continue to pursue their malicious objectives.
The demonstrators firmly believed that these acts of violence were specifically intended to disrupt the peace and hinder the progress of developmental activities within the region of Kashmir.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
