Terror in Pahalgam: Why We Must Stand Together Beyond Religion

 

Pahalgam, nestled in the picturesque valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, has long been a jewel in India’s tourism crown. For decades, it has attracted travelers from across the country and around the world, drawn by its breathtaking natural beauty, serene rivers, and snow-capped peaks. But on what should have been another peaceful day in this idyllic town, tragedy struck—a brutal terrorist attack that shattered lives, destroyed families, and shook the conscience of the nation.

The Attack That Broke Many Hearts

What happened in Pahalgam wasn't just an attack on a place; it was an attack on humanity. Innocent people—tourists and locals alike—were caught in the crossfire of hatred and violence. Blood was spilled in a land known for its peaceful charm. Lives were lost, families torn apart. Those who survived carry the scars not just on their bodies, but in their hearts.

Eyewitnesses and survivors have spoken out, revealing a chilling detail: the attackers seemed to target Hindu pilgrims and tourists in particular. This horrifying claim, if true, points to an attempt to divide people on religious lines—a strategy terrorists have used time and again to try and tear the fabric of our nation.

But let’s be clear—this is not a Hindu tragedy, nor a Muslim or Sikh tragedy. This is an Indian tragedy. Every innocent soul lost, regardless of religion, was a part of our shared identity as Indians.

Beyond the Headlines: The Truth Media Doesn’t Always Show

In the aftermath of the attack, media outlets flooded the airwaves and social media with breaking news and speculation. Some reported that Pakistan was involved, even before any concrete proof was available. Others focused only on the religious angle, highlighting Hindu-Muslim divisions, fanning flames instead of helping people heal.

Why does it always come down to this? Why do we keep repeating this cycle?

From one side of the border to the other, people suffer. Terror doesn’t ask your religion before it strikes. Yet somehow, every time there's an incident, we see the same blame games, the same rhetoric, the same hate-filled headlines. We need real answers, not sensationalism.

Terrorism Has No Religion

It’s time to say it clearly: Terrorists do not represent any religion. They follow orders, not faith. They are motivated by hate, not belief. Whether they claim to act in the name of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, or Christianity—they are betraying the very core values of every religion, which are based on compassion, peace, and unity.

The only question we should be asking is: Who is sending them? Who is funding them? Who is benefitting from this violence?

Before killing any terrorist, interrogate them. Find out who gave the command, who created the plan, who made the list of targets. Justice will only be real when we stop reacting emotionally and start acting intelligently.

The Hidden Pain of the Locals

While the media focuses on religious angles, no one talks about the thousands of families in Pahalgam who depend on tourism for survival. For decades, these locals—regardless of their religion—have welcomed tourists with open hearts, offering them tea, warm meals, rides, and memories.

Now, after this attack, bookings have been cancelled, fear has returned, and local businesses are shutting down. Drivers, hoteliers, guides, shopkeepers—each one is struggling to feed their family. They are as much victims of terrorism as those who lost their lives.

These people don’t care what religion the tourists are. To them, a guest is a guest. A human being. An income. A connection. They mourn with the families who lost someone and pray every day that peace returns.

The Real India: A Land of Many, But One

India is not a land of one religion. It never was. We are home to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and many more. We are different, yes—but not divided.

Think back to every flood, earthquake, or crisis—did we ever ask each other’s religion before helping? No. We carried each other through pain and disaster as brothers and sisters.

That’s the real India. That’s the India we need to stand for today.

What We Need Now

1. Real Investigation, Not Assumptions: Let the agencies do their work. Demand proof before jumping to conclusions. Catch the real masterminds.

2. Stop Media from Dividing Us: Media should be a bridge, not a barrier. Instead of Hindu vs. Muslim headlines, we need truth vs. lies, peace vs. terror stories.

3. Support the Victims and Locals: Help the families who lost someone. Rebuild their lives. Support the tourism industry in Pahalgam. Book a trip. Donate. Share their stories.

4. Educate, Don’t Agitate: Talk to your children, your friends, your community. Remind them that hate only leads to more hate. Peace takes courage, but it lasts longer.

5. Demand Accountability: Our leaders, our systems, our intelligence agencies—everyone must be held accountable. Not through anger, but through awareness and active citizenship.

Conclusion: Justice with Compassion

Justice is not just about punishment. It’s about acknowledging pain, finding the truth, and ensuring it never happens again.

To those who lost loved ones in the Pahalgam attack, we owe not just our condolences but our action. We must rise above religion, beyond politics, and stand together—not just in grief, but in purpose.

Every Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian who died in this or any attack was a piece of India’s heart. Let’s not let that heart be broken again.

Let this not be another tragedy we forget. Let this be a turning point.

Let’s rise—not as different people—but as One India.

Let’s get justice.

Let’s spread love.

Let’s never let hate win.

By: Jaspreet Kaur