Reactions from various stakeholders in Kashmir, along with condemnation by leaders, send a clear message to the perpetrators of this incident that the Kashmiri people do not support terrorism and stand with the nation in eliminating it at the root. These views were gathered from various stakeholders and commoners of the Kashmir province by the Brighter Kashmir correspondent at ground zero regarding the recent innocent killing of seven people at Gagangeer-Baltal Terror Attack


Babar Magray, a young Entrepreneur

At 20 years old, I’ve witnessed nearly two decades of turmoil in our valley. The relentless bloodshed, killings, and shutdowns have scarred our childhood, leaving us economically and educationally stunted. There's no doubt in my mind that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is to blame for the chaos in Kashmir. While I condemn every act of terrorism, I feel particularly outraged by the recent Pakistan-backed attack in the Gagangeer-Baltal area, where seven innocent lives were lost, and five others were critically injured. Since the beginning, we Kashmiris have rejected Pakistan’s sinister brand of terrorism, and we will continue to do so—resolutely, and forever.



Firdous Pandit, a Motivational Speaker

I have witnessed firsthand the devastation of the last 12-15 years in Kashmir, particularly in South Kashmir, which became the epicenter of violence and bloodshed. I know the pain of families receiving the bullet-ridden bodies of their sons, husbands, or brothers. No Kashmiri should be under any illusion about Pakistan’s vested interest in perpetuating the turmoil and unrest in our valley. While they claim to fight for Kashmir and Islam, the reality is far from it. If that were true, we wouldn't have seen the brutal killings of Kashmiri Muslims like Abdul Gani Lone, Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq, Shujaat Bukhari, and countless others. The recent terror attack in Gagangeer claimed the life of a Kashmiri doctor among others, proving once again that terrorism knows no religion or region. Pakistan is nothing more than a sponsor of terror, benefiting from Kashmir’s suffering and seeking to prolong it. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack on innocent civilians in Gagangeer and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May the souls of those lost rest in peace, and may God grant strength to their families to bear this immense loss.



Syed Jahanzaib, a Columnist and Geopolitical Expert


Kashmir has always been vulnerable, but over the past four years, we have witnessed a period of relative peace. During this time, Kashmir experienced a surge in tourism, infrastructural development, and state welfare, helping us reclaim our valley as the Paradise on Earth. However, this progress has not been well-received by Pakistan's ISI and its affiliates, who have consistently sought to keep Kashmir economically, educationally, socially, and culturally backward. These forces have relentlessly tried to destabilize the peaceful environment that has taken immense effort to maintain. There are elements across the border whose entire existence thrives on Kashmir’s turmoil. Their attack on innocent civilians in Gagangeer is a blatant attempt to push Kashmiris back into chaos, sending dead bodies home instead of hope. Protests have erupted across Kashmir in response to this cowardly act, and as an advocate with a deep understanding of this country’s beautiful constitution, I strongly condemn this attack in every possible way. I reject Pakistan-based terrorism and will continue to stand against it in whatever capacity I can.




Syed Showkat, a Prominent Writer


As a writer who has spent the last 15 years focusing on the socio-political landscape of the valley, I have consistently emphasized the need for peace-promoting initiatives. Yet, the tragic irony is that anyone—whether a Kashmiri Hindu or Muslim—who advocates for peace has become a target of Pakistan. There are countless examples: Maulana Showkat, killed in an explosion on his way to lead Friday prayers; peace-loving journalist Shujaat Bukhari; and JKPC chief Abdul Gani Lone, who told Pakistan to stay away from Kashmir. The list goes on. From witnessing these tragic losses, I’ve drawn one conclusion: anyone who has ever attempted to keep Kashmir peaceful has been silenced by Pakistan. The recent Gagangeer terror attack, in which Dr. Shahnawaz fell victim, is yet another example of Pakistan's sinister brand of terrorism. Seeing the tears of Dr. Shahnawaz’s son is heartbreaking, and it reinforces the truth that Pakistan’s agenda is one of destruction. Since the beginning, Kashmiris have rejected Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and we will continue to reject it.




Faisal Aslam, a Young Urdu Poet


As a young poet, my words have always revolved around the beauty of Kashmir, its culture, and the resilience of its people. But today, I find myself at a loss for words after the devastating attack in Gagangeer. The beauty we cherish is overshadowed by the bloodshed orchestrated by Pakistan’s sinister elements, which target innocent lives and aim to keep us trapped in cycles of violence. Poetry often speaks of pain and loss, but no verse can capture the anguish of a father losing his child or a son losing his father. The attack in Gagangeer is not just an assault on individuals, but an attack on humanity, peace, and the very essence of life in Kashmir. I condemn this cowardly act, and as Kashmiris, we must continue to reject the forces that seek to destroy our land and our future. Pakistan’s terrorism has no place in our valley, and we will keep raising our voices, in words and actions, against this brutality.




Vaiz Zargar, Journalist


As a journalist, I have reported on countless tragic events, but the recent terror attack in Gagangeer shakes me to my core. It is yet another grim reminder of how Pakistan continues to fuel instability in our valley. The loss of innocent lives, including a Kashmiri doctor, proves once again that terrorism knows no borders, no religion, and no reason. The people of Kashmir have always rejected Pakistan’s attempts to sow chaos and violence. Over the past few years, we have seen glimpses of peace, development, and progress, but it is clear that forces across the border are determined to shatter this progress. This attack is their latest effort to push us back into darkness. I stand with the families who are grieving, and I vehemently condemn this heinous act. We, as a people, must remain united against terrorism and refuse to let Pakistan’s terror tactics dictate our future. Kashmir will rise above this violence, as it always has.



Israar Shahid, Peace Activist and Writer


In times of tragedy, we must remember that terror recognizes neither region nor religion—it is an assault on humanity itself. The recent attack in Gagangeer is a direct strike on India’s effort to build all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh, a project crucial for keeping the region linked throughout the year, especially during harsh winters. This infrastructure is not just about roads; it’s about bridging communities and strengthening the ties that bind us all together. The victims of this brutal attack came from different parts of the country—Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. Among them was a Kashmiri doctor, a man of peace and service, proving once again that terrorism doesn’t care for the lines of faith or region. This was not an attack on Muslims or Hindus, locals or non-locals; this was an attack on India, on progress, and on our collective future. We must also acknowledge the deeper intent behind this attack—it’s not just about killing civilians, but about striking at a project that holds immense strategic value for India. The road that connects Kashmir to Ladakh ensures connectivity to the Line of Actual Control, a lifeline for our nation's defense. By targeting this project, the forces behind this terror attack reveal their true intentions: to destabilize, to divide, and to halt our progress. This is the first major attack in Kashmir since the devastating 2019 Pulwama strike, and it serves as a grim reminder of the threat we continue to face. But we, as Kashmiris and as Indians, reject this violence with all our might. I condemn this cowardly act and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims. Let this tragedy strengthen our resolve to work for peace, to rise above terror, and to continue building a future where such bloodshed has no place.
Besides condemnation and widespread criticism of the attack on civilians, there was also a massive public outcry over the innocent killings. In Kupwara, a candle march was launched with a single slogan: 'We want peace, we hate terrorism, and we want peace; let us live peacefully.' Hundreds of youth gathered to protest against these innocent killings. 'This is an attack on our identity, culture, brotherhood, and morality, which we will never allow to happen,' they expressed.