Beyond Pahalgam: Kashmir Bleeds When Humanity Bleeds
In addition to the tourism sector, the recent incident in Pahalgam has deeply and painfully damaged the collective conscience of the Kashmiri people and the country as a whole. What was supposed to be a calm haven for defenseless bystanders became the scene of unspeakable tragedy. Instead, those who came to find tranquility amid nature were buried for all eternity. The stillness that follows says it all: peace is still elusive in this country.
However, the tragedy does not end at the valley’s boundaries. Kashmiri professionals, entrepreneurs, and students nationwide are once again feeling the brunt of political rhetoric and unjustified rage. People who have nothing to do with the violence are frequently the targets of quick and widespread retaliation. The aftershocks are intensely personal and subtly brutal, ranging from refusals of entry to hostels to covert discrimination at work.
This goes beyond a simple security lapse. This has to do with humanity’s decline. The voice of the average Kashmiri—the person who only wants to live in dignity, learn, work, and prosper in peace—is lost in the din of political blame games and security briefings.
“Every time violence breaks out, a whole community is held accountable, which is devastating.”
The cost includes not just the loss of life but also the estrangement and loneliness of a whole generation. This is the true cost of conflict: every child silenced by terror, every little enterprise laboring under suspicion, every young Kashmiri compelled to tread carefully outside the valley.
We need to consider how long we can afford to continue in this manner. How much longer will common people—Kashmiri or not—be subjected to the oppression of those who profit from discord and division?
Don’t let this be another news cycle. Let it be a time for reflection. Because we all bleed when humanity does. Kashmir has already bled enough.
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