On April 22, 2025, a horrific terror attack took place in Baisaran, Pahalgam, shook the heart of Kashmir. Twenty-six innocent lives, both tourists and a local pony guide from the area, were lost in one of the most horrific attacks on civilians in recent memory. The terrorists were trying to create fear, divide communities, and destroy peace in the Valley. What followed was a strong and collective reaction from the people of Kashmir, most importantly its young people, who spoke out against terror and articulated their allegiance to peace, humanity, and brotherhood.

A Valley United against Terrorism: Whether students, teachers, activists, or community leaders, Kashmir’s everywhere condemned the attack. They were united in one purpose. Kashmir rejects terrorism in all forms.

 Senior teacher Sheikh Nazir said he was "deeply saddened and horrified" by the "unfortunate" and deeply saddening Pahalgam incident. He condemned the violent act that occurred to innocent tourists and humans, and said that violence that harms innocent human being is not only inhumane but counter to everything our nation values and believes. "When our country stands for peace, togetherness, and humanity, it has no tolerance for actions that destroy that spirit and peacefulness,"

Abdul Hanan, a university student, stressed that the violence was not related to any religion. "This wasn't about being a Hindu or a Muslim. This was simply an inhumane act that needs to be condemned by everyone," he explained, highlighting the need for unity in opposing hatred.

  Musaib Bilal, a student and aspiring writer, expressed similar views. "I strongly denounce this terror act. It's not an assault on life, it's an assault on our collective conscience," he said, pointing out the deeper moral injury inflicted by such attacks.

 Rakshanda Gul, an educator, condemned the attack, saying that it took innocent lives and at struck at the dignity of a Kashmiri culture. “This violence is against Kashmiriyat, which stands for peace, dignity, and brotherhood," she said. She emphasized sharing and compassion, and further added, "Our heritage is founded on harmony and coexistence, not hatred and violence. There is no place for such brutality in our values."

Yawer Hameed, a student, was also shocked and upset. "This kind of act of savagery has no room in our society. We, the youth, condemn this in the strongest possible words," he declared, speaking on behalf of young Kashmir’s who want peace and development.

 Darakshan Hassan, a prominent writer, raised a troubling point: “Why were only men targeted? The women were left behind not spared, but burdened. This pattern is deeply concerning. It reveals how even violence imposes gendered roles, reinforcing societal and perhaps even militant perceptions.” Her statement makes it clear that the issue of violence against people in gendered relationships and the way violence impacts gendered norms is complex and usually under-appreciated. We begin by understanding how violence reinforces traditional roles and increases the trouble of communities who are directly affected by violence.

Majaaz Faisal, a tribal rights activist, referred to the incident as "humiliating and heartbreaking," stating, "Innocent lives were martyred. They were people who came to get a glimpse of the beauty this land [Kashmir] has to offer, to lose their lives to such horror."

Teachers and Students Stand for Peace, Educators across the region lent their voices to the chorus of condemnation.

 Tanzeela Nabi, a school teacher by profession, squarely condemned the dastardly attack in Pahalgam as a dark day for all. She was very sad and asked the community to join hands and fight such acts of violence.

 Farooq Ahmad, a school teacher, added a strong but clear message: "This attack does not reflect what we are. I strongly condemn this brutal and inhumane act that occurred in our peaceful land, a land renowned for peace, love, brotherhood, and unity.

 Fayaz Ahmad, a respected educator, stated, “This was not only an attack on tourists, but an attack on the soul of our identity as Kashmir’s. We will not accept such violence in any form.” Kashmir’s have been hospitable, sincere, honest and God fearing people who do not support or desire violence. Whoever may have committed such acts stand against our ethics and moral values. As a people, we believe in peace and progress. Our nation remains united as a spirit and a purpose, and Kashmir remains known as the crown of this magnificent democratic nation an everlasting symbol of unity, resilience, and nation’s pride.

 The Pahalgam attack was 'tragic' and 'heartbreaking' in the eyes of Afroza Nabi, a young college student. "It shook our hearts and we were numb," she said. The attack left many, like Afroza, with an unbearable emotional burden to process, as we try to come to grips with senseless violence.

A college student named Shahid Naseer said the attack was inhuman. He stated that there is no support for such acts among the people. He noted that it was one of the most horrendous incidents to strike the Valley in recent memory, leaving behind sorrow, shock, and an unequivocal determination to reject terrorism in all its forms.

Student Naseem Ahmed referred to the attack as "a cowardly act of terror and must be condemned in the strongest possible way." "There is no justification for such violence - it must be rejected everywhere and by anyone who supports peace and humanity."

Community Leaders and Citizens Speak from the Heart, Leaders from various communities joined the youth in their call for justice and peace.

Manzoor Paswal, District President of the Gujjar-Bakerwal Conference, characterized the dastardly incident in Baisaran as a vicious attack on unarmed and innocent lives. He extended condolence and support to the victims and their families and informed them that the whole community empathizes with their grief and pain.

Local resident Mohammad Amir said he was “shocked and sad” by the attack, “What happened to the tourists was shocking and a tragic event. What happened was totally unexpected, and it has left an entire community shocked and grieving.”

Amraiz Badhana, who was a student, expressed his condolences by saying, "We stand with the families who lost loved ones. Their pain is our pain. In this time of suffering, we want them to know they are not alone the whole community suffers along with them."

A call for Peace and an End to Bloodshed, during the grief and anger, the people of Kashmir expressed deep desires for peace, coexistence, and healing.

Basirhat Gul,  a young Kashmiri girl expressed her anguish, saying, “We are deeply saddened by this act. We Kashmiri’s want peace and prosperity, not fear and stop bloodshed. Innocent killings hurt every family, every soul. We are the daughters of this soil. We say: no more blood, no more pain.”

Activist Insha Farooq called for unity, stating, "We need to stand together as one in solidarity. Peace should win over hate, and we should not let violence define us." Her call was for individuals from all backgrounds to step above division and fear, accepting harmony as the essence of the community.

 Nazira Ahad, a school teacher, was of the same view when she said, "Our land has always represented peace, hospitality, and honor. Such a heinous act of terror is totally unfamiliar to our culture and the people's spirit." Her statement was a reflection of the shared pain and denunciation of violence by the society in general, reiterating that terrorism has no room in the traditions deeply ingrained in the region's culture and way of life.

A Message to the World: The Kashmir’s have spoken not in silence or terror, but in unity and clarity. Their message is a simple but powerful one: Terrorism will not silence our humanity.

Despite of trying to split and annihilate, Kashmir's people and youth have demonstrated strength and empathy. Their denunciation is not only a response but also a resistance against stereotyping, a defense for peace, and a proclamation that Kashmiriyat exists and is growing in the hearts of its population.

 Email:--------------------hoaibhat2018@gmail.com