Wounded Paradise – when silence falls on the valley it’s a cry from PahalGam

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thenews21bureau
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By Shahid Nazir

X: @the_news_21

Srinagar: The ripple effect of what happened in Pahalgam on April 22, threatens to undo years of economic revival, deepening the valley’s wounds and shaking its hard-earned peace.

In shattered streets and weeping homes,

A thousand stories cry unknown.

But still, the candles bravely glow,

Defying hate, refusing to bow.

The ethereal valleys of Kashmir, long revered as “Paradise on Earth,” have once again been scarred by a horrific act of violence. The recent barbaric terror attack in the serene town of Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 28 innocent people and left 20 others grievously injured, has cast a suffocating pall over a region that was only beginning to breathe freely again.

After years of turmoil, Jammu and Kashmir had been experiencing a renaissance of peace and prosperity, largely driven by a thriving tourism industry. This new tragedy, however, has ripped through the collective heart of the region, halting progress and leaving communities gripped by anguish and fear.

The attack comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir was enjoying a sustained period of growth and healing. For three consecutive years, the tourism sector had not merely recovered from the shadows of conflict—it had blossomed into a vibrant symbol of hope.

Tourists from all over the world came to witness the breath taking beauty of Jammu and Kashmir; its snow-covered mountains, lush meadows, blooming tulip gardens, and pristine lakes that reflect the sky like glass. This tourism resurgence served as a lifeline, uplifting both urban centres and remote villages. It provided thousands of people with meaningful livelihoods and a renewed sense of purpose.

But now, the massacre in Pahalgam has cruelly shattered this dream, sending shockwaves through every corner of the valley. The immediate consequences have been devastating. Mass cancellations of travel plans followed within hours. Hotels that had been fully booked now lie deserted.

Houseboats, once lively with laughter and music, float in eerie silence. The economic ripple effect of the attack is far-reaching, threatening to undo years of careful rebuilding and hard-earned trust.

Each tourist who visits Kashmir sustains a delicate ecosystem of livelihoods – the cheerful Shikara boatman who narrates tales of the lake, the elderly artisan patiently carving intricate designs into walnut wood, the homestay host who opens her door to guests from afar, and the young entrepreneur running a cafe or managing a travel blog.

With the sudden collapse in tourist traffic, these interconnected lives are now crumbling. Daily wage earners stare at empty plates. Youth who had finally found pride and dignity in honest work are now left in limbo. Families that had begun to taste economic independence once again find themselves caught in a web of uncertainty and anxiety. But the tragedy, while deeply painful, also unveiled the strength and unity that lies at the core of Kashmiri society.

Across the valley, voices rose not in division, but in solidarity. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists alike came together in shared sorrow and collective condemnation of the violence. 

In this moment that transcended religion and background, Kashmiris rallied to protect and comfort one another. Locals offered aid and shelter to victims and stranded travellers. Volunteers stepped up to assist grieving families with funeral arrangements. These acts of kindness and courage illuminated the darkness of that night, reaffirming the valley’s timeless values of hospitality, compassion, and communal harmony.

Messages of sympathy poured in from around the world. But perhaps the most profound response came not from foreign capitals or international organizations—it came from the people of Kashmir themselves. Candlelight vigils were held in towns and villages, not only as gestures of mourning but as powerful symbols of defiance.

These flickering flames spoke of a collective determination: terrorism will not define who we are. The spirit of Jammu and Kashmir, though wounded, remains unbroken. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders at every level. 

There is an urgent need to revisit and reinforce security frameworks in all major tourist hubs. The safety of visitors must become a non-negotiable priority. Emergency response units should be strategically stationed in high-footfall areas to ensure immediate and effective action during crises.

But beyond security, a comprehensive campaign must be launched—both nationally and globally—to rebuild confidence in Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, welcoming, and extraordinary destination. The image of Jammu and Kashmir as a land of peace and beauty must not be allowed to fade. Jammu and Kashmir is more than just a place on the map.

It is a feeling, a memory etched into the hearts of those who have seen its wonders. It is a symphony composed of nature’s bounty, rich history, and the enduring resilience of its people. Though acts of terror may momentarily dim its light, they cannot extinguish its soul. Let us not allow fear to silence the music of its rivers or the fragrance of its blooming meadows. Let us not allow hatred to obscure the warmth in its people’s eyes. 

The world must stand with Jammu and Kashmir—not just in words, but in actions. In solidarity, in support, and in spirit. It is only through collective compassion and commitment that the seeds of hope can take root once more in this wounded paradise. Jammu and Kashmir has known sorrow, but it also knows how to rise. With care, courage, and unity, the valley will heal again, and its timeless song of peace and beauty will echo louder than ever before.

About the Author: Shahid Nazir can be reached at nazirshahid378@gmail.com

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