Kashmir Mourns: 26 Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack
New Delhi | 23 April 2025 — In the aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack, which claimed 26 lives, including those of two foreign nationals, a Navy officer, and an Intelligence Bureau official, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti led a protest in Srinagar. The brutal ambush, considered one of the deadliest in recent years, has shaken the valley and drawn nationwide condemnation.
Terror at the Meadows
The Pahalgam Terror Attack occurred near the scenic Baisaran meadows, a popular tourist destination known for its serene beauty. According to officials, terrorists opened fire at a group of tourists around 2:30 PM. Among the deceased were a newlywed Navy officer, an Intelligence Bureau official, two tourists from the UAE and Nepal, and two locals. Several others were injured in the tragic ambush.
Security forces, including the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, launched a massive manhunt to track down the assailants. Military helicopters were deployed for evacuation, given the difficult terrain that’s largely accessible only on foot or horseback. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also joined the probe to assist in the investigation of the Pahalgam Terror Attack.
A Political Leader Steps Forward
Breaking political silence in the region, Mehbooba Mufti emerged at Lal Chowk—the symbolic and emotional epicenter of Srinagar—to stand in solidarity with the victims. She became the first mainstream political figure to publicly protest on the streets following the Pahalgam Terror Attack, a move widely seen as a strong statement of resistance against terrorism.
Addressing the media and citizens during the protest, Mufti made an emotional appeal. “We are ashamed. Kashmir is ashamed. We stand with the people of the country during this crisis,” she said, holding back tears.
Her comments struck a chord with many across India who are grappling with the horrifying news and seeking accountability and justice for the victims. Social media platforms were flooded with videos and images of the protest, showing Mufti surrounded by supporters, activists, and members of civil society.
An Attack on Kashmiriyat
During her address, Mufti emphasized that the Pahalgam Terror Attack went beyond a physical assault—it was an ideological strike on the very spirit of Kashmir.
“The attack that happened yesterday is not only an attack on innocent tourists; it is also an attack on Kashmiriyat,” she said, referring to the centuries-old cultural ethos of harmony, hospitality, and mutual respect among the people of Kashmir.
This sentiment was echoed across the region. In a symbolic gesture, several local newspapers published completely black front pages to mark their protest and mourning. The act served as a powerful reminder of how deeply the tragedy had affected Kashmiris themselves.