On April 22, 2025, the tranquil meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam—often hailed as “mini Switzerland” for its breathtaking natural beauty—were soaked in blood. What should have been a peaceful day for families and tourists turned into a nightmare, as terrorists unleashed a barbaric assault that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists. The victims had traveled from across the country, seeking the serenity of Kashmir’s pristine hills. What they found instead was death, in an attack as cowardly as it was calculated.
This was not just an attack on individuals—it was an attack on Kashmir’s return to normalcy, on the growing sense of peace, on tourism, on livelihood, and above all, on the trust that millions had begun to restore in the valley. Make no mistake: this massacre was orchestrated with one clear agenda—to destabilize the region, to revive fear, and to drive a wedge between communities by targeting people based on their religion.
And behind this heinous act stands the bloodied hand of Pakistan.
A Calculated Attack with Clear Objectives
The target was symbolic. Baisaran in Pahalgam is a crown jewel of Kashmir’s tourism circuit. By striking here, terrorists delivered a blunt message: Kashmir is not safe for tourists. The timing was no accident either—right when the tourism season was picking up after years of painstaking efforts by the government, local businesses, and security forces. Pakistan’s agenda has always been to halt Kashmir’s progress, and they chose this moment to inflict maximum damage—economically, psychologically, and socially.
The attack is a reminder that while guns may have been silenced after Article 370’s abrogation, the enemies of peace still lurk, plotting to pull Kashmir back into the dark ages. This time, they didn’t target soldiers or politicians—they targeted unarmed, innocent men, women, and children who had come to experience the beauty of Kashmir.
The Economic Sabotage: Attack on Kashmir’s Livelihood
Kashmir’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which contributes nearly 7-8% of its GDP. The Pahalgam massacre didn’t just snatch lives—it crippled the hopes of thousands who depend on the influx of tourists for survival. Hotels emptied overnight, restaurants shut their doors, and shikara operators, pony riders, cab drivers, handicraft sellers, and guides were left with shattered dreams.
According to the J&K Economic Survey (2024–25), the hotel industry alone generates Rs 2,700 crore annually, supporting not just direct jobs, but also a complex web of supply chains—local farmers, craftsmen, transporters. This attack was not just on people; it was on the bread and butter of Kashmiri families. The terrorists knew this. Their aim was to choke the economy and sow resentment.
From Hope to Horror: Terrorism Destroys Youth Livelihoods in One Blow
Already facing a staggering unemployment rate, Kashmiri youth are now staring at an uncertain future. They had started to believe in change, in peace, in development. But this attack sends a chilling message—that peace will be punished. By sabotaging tourism, Pakistan-backed terrorists are pushing the youth back toward hopelessness.
Yet, what Pakistan underestimated was the resilience of the Kashmiri people.
For the first time in years, the valley witnessed spontaneous shutdowns against terror. Protesters took to the streets not to defend militants, but to condemn them. Hindus and Muslims alike expressed grief, anger, and solidarity with the victims. In this tragedy, Kashmir found its voice—a voice that said enough is enough.
A Pathetic Silence: Why Didn’t the J&K Assembly Name Pakistan?
In a shameful display of political cowardice, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly convened to condemn the attack—but failed to name Pakistan even once. This deliberate omission is not just disappointing—it is dangerous.
To condemn “terrorism” without naming its patron is to give terror a shield. The world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism lies—Pakistan. A nation that has exported jihad, radicalism, and bloodshed across borders for decades, and yet continues to masquerade as a victim. The Assembly’s silence emboldens these forces. It sends a signal to the families of the victims that their killers will not be named, let alone punished.
Pakistan’s Role: Terrorism as State Policy
Pakistan is not just a haven for terrorists—it is the headquarters of terror. For decades, it has bred, trained, and exported terrorists under the false garb of religion and “freedom”. The attack in Pahalgam was not the work of lone wolves—it was an act of war.
And yes, there are still sympathisers in the valley—those who provide safe houses, intelligence, logistics, and ideological support to terrorists. These collaborators are as guilty as the attackers themselves. They must be identified and brought to justice. There can be no peace until the terror ecosystem, from the handler in Rawalpindi to the sympathiser in Anantnag, is dismantled.
A Nation United, A Nation Angered
Today, India stands united. From Delhi to Doda, from Srinagar to Surat, the nation is not just mourning—it is burning with righteous anger. The people demand not just justice—they demand revenge.
This is the time to hit back. Not with words, not with resolutions, but with action. It is time to send a message to Pakistan and its terror cohorts: If you strike at our heart, we will crush yours. India must now launch an all-out war—not just militarily, but diplomatically, economically, and psychologically—to destabilize Pakistan’s terror infrastructure.
Powerful Voices Speak
“This wasn’t just an attack on tourists. It was an attack on the very soul of Kashmir.” – A local hotel owner in Pahalgam.
“If Pakistan thinks it can derail peace, it has underestimated India’s resolve.” – Retired General D. S. Hooda
“Sympathy for terrorists is complicity. The sympathisers must be dealt with as enemies of the state.” – Security Analyst
Conclusion: No Compromise with Terror
The Pahalgam massacre is a reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted. That the enemy is still watching, still plotting, and still willing to kill innocent people to send a message. But the nation must respond with a louder message:
Your bullets may kill our people. But our will is unbreakable. If you seek to destroy peace, we will destroy you.
It’s time for Pakistan to pay. It’s time for the terror sympathisers in Kashmir to be exposed. It’s time to reclaim not just Kashmir’s peace—but its pride.
(Author is Social Activist & Youth Leader from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Email: [email protected]; X username Jehanzeb_law)
