The dastardly act of violence committed in Kashmir’s “Mini Switzerland” Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam on April 22, 2025 took away 25 tourists and one civilian too soon. As Kashmir stands wrapped mourning the tragedy, its people are out on the roads seething with anger against attack on Kashmiriyat that has always stood for unity, peace and harmony.
The Voices student reporter captures moments of seething anger, protests, peaceful candle marches and an insistent demand for peace in the area. From Ghantaghar Lal Chowk to Bandipora – the Kashmiris have come out expressing solidarity, demanding peace and stoppage of innocent killings.
Kashmiris view this attack on humanity as a horrifying incident that will have far worse repercussions on the valley’s economy, which is highly dependent on tourism.
From pony riders and shikara riders to hoteliers and guides, all said that although they always greet tourists with open arms, they end up being the silent victims of such atrocities. At the iconic Lal Chowk of Srinagar, people raised slogans against the violence, saying that the perpetrators attacked not the tourists, but gave a blow to the Kashmiriyat. People condemned the religion-based killings vehemently as terrorism, as no religion, said a protester, Isharat Bashir Bhat (28).
Kashmir, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” is renowned not only for its breathtaking scenic beauty but also for the generosity and hospitality of its people. According to the Economic Survey 2023-2024 conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir government’s Directorate of Economics and Statistics, the Tourism sector is the primary driver of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, as it provides employment to a large number of people and generates economic activities, particularly in the tertiary sector. The report adds that in 2023, tourist footfall soared to an all-time high, reaching 2.11 crore. Foreign tourists increased three times. During 2023, Sh. Amarnath Ji (4.45 lakhs) and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (97.29 lakhs) recorded all-time high pilgrims during the last decade.
However, with the attack, things have changed to turtle. Hoteliers and restaurant owners complain that the markets wear a deserted look. The livelihood of more than 20 lakh people is directly and indirectly dependent on tourism, but the violence has endangered this, said Gowhar Ahmed (28) from Bandipora.
One of the heroes of the tragedy was a local horse rider, Aarif Ahmad, who rescued tourists by leading them through a forest trail amidst the mayhem. “This attack is not against people; it is an attack against humanity and Kashmiriyat,” he stated with wet eyes while talking to The Voices. Another rider agreed, terming it a betrayal of the valley’s culture of peace.
The ponywallahs in Baisaran meadow also mourn the death of their colleague Syed Aadil Husaain, the sole bread earner, who died protecting the tourists by trying to snatch the weapon of terrorists. “Aadil, he while protecting the tourists sacrificed his life. We too condemn the attack, it is the attack on humanity and Kashmiriyat,” said a close relative of Aadil.
He sacrificed his life to save tourists, but no media outlet covered that. “We too stand against terrorism Kashmiri’s are not enemies,” he said.
Local contractor Bilal Ahmad Dar (40) from Bandipora said that thousands of tourists have already left their families, while many may not return in the near future. He adds that if people do not regain faith in safe Kashmir, then this year’s summer holidays will mean a tough period for the valley.
Yasir Ahmad Malik (35) says that this has been the largest attack to claim casualties after the Pulwama attack. It has silenced the waters of the Lidder River and silenced the whole country. People pray for normalcy to return so that they can live in harmony.
Copyeditor: Megha Mann