25/04/2025
My heart is heavy, and my soul is silent.
What happened in Pahalgam a few days ago is beyond words—26 innocent lives lost, visitors who came here to find peace, beauty, and a piece of heaven. Instead, they met with unthinkable violence.
As a son of Kashmir, as someone who welcomes travelers with open arms, this tragedy feels personal. These weren’t just tourists—they were our guests, our responsibility, our extended family. We failed them. Or rather, terror tried to steal what is most sacred to us—our tradition of mehmaan-nawazi (hospitality), our spirit of peace.
To the families mourning their loved ones: We grieve with you. We pray for you. We are so, so sorry.
This was not Kashmir. This was not us. This was terror, masked in cruelty, trying to paint our valley with fear. But we refuse to let hate win. We refuse to let the image of our home be defined by bloodshed.
Kashmir is love. Kashmir is healing. Kashmir is yours, and it will always welcome you—with even more courage, compassion, and care.
May the souls of the departed find peace. And may our wounded valley rise again, stronger in its promise of harmony.
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