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| Condemnation of the Pahalgam Massacre and the Perpetual Cycle of Selective Outrage | |
Srinagar, April 24 (Scoop News)-On April 22, 2025, the serene meadows of Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, were stained with the blood of innocents. A group of militants, affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, unleashed a brutal attack on unarmed tourists, resulting in the death of 28 individuals and injuring over 20 others.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the attackers, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, targeted tourists enjoying the natural beauty of Baisaran Valley. Some reports indicate that victims were asked to reveal their religious identities before being shot, adding a chilling communal dimension to the violence. Local heroes, such as Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony operator, bravely attempted to protect the tourists and lost their lives in the process. Such acts of courage amidst terror highlight the complex fabric of Kashmiri society, where humanity often shines through darkness.
The Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti (KPSS) unequivocally condemns this barbaric act of terrorism. As an organization that has consistently championed human rights and stood against violations perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, we find the recurring pattern of selective outrage deeply troubling.
Over the past 35 years, Kashmir has witnessed a relentless cycle of violence, with countless lives lost to the gun culture that has permeated the region. KPSS has consistently raised its voice against atrocities, irrespective of the perpetrators' identity. However, the response from the majority community in Kashmir to such incidents has often been marked by a conspicuous silence or, worse, justification.
When Kashmiri Pandits or Hindus have been targeted, there has been a glaring absence of protests, hartals, or public condemnations from the majority community. This apathy stands in stark contrast to the widespread outrage observed following the Pahalgam massacre, where the victims were primarily tourists. It raises a pertinent question: Are human lives valued differently based on religious or regional identities?
The militants who perpetrate such atrocities are not foreign entities; they emerge from within our society or are supported by elements within it. The narrative that "no Kashmiri would do such a thing" is a dangerous denial that absolves the community of introspection and responsibility. By refusing to acknowledge the presence of radical elements within, society becomes complicit in their actions.
Furthermore, the tendency to deflect blame onto external agencies or to question the veracity of such attacks only serves to protect the image of those who wield weapons against innocents. This pattern of denial and justification undermines the collective conscience and stalls any genuine efforts towards peace and reconciliation.
The recent surge in tourism in Kashmir has been touted as a sign of normalcy returning to the region. However, the Pahalgam massacre exposes the fragility of this facade. While economic development is essential, it cannot come at the cost of human lives. The prioritization of economic gains over human rights and security is a dangerous path that risks further destabilizing the region.
The KPSS urges the majority community in Kashmir to reflect deeply on the societal dynamics that allow such acts of violence to occur and, at times, be justified. It is imperative to recognize and address the radical ideologies that have taken root within. True peace and progress can only be achieved when society collectively stands against all forms of violence, irrespective of the victims' identities.
We also call upon the Indian government and international bodies to ensure that justice is served, not just in the aftermath of such incidents, but through proactive measures that prevent their occurrence. This includes addressing the ideological indoctrination that fuels such attacks and ensuring the protection of all communities within Kashmir.The Pahalgam massacre is not just an isolated incident; it is a reflection of the deep-seated issues that continue to plague Kashmir. Selective outrage, societal denial, and the prioritization of economic interests over human lives have created an environment where such tragedies can occur. It is time for collective introspection, accountability, and decisive action to break this cycle of violence and pave the way for a truly inclusive and peaceful Kashmir.
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