Massive Protests Erupt in Kashmir Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has triggered widespread protests throughout the region, as residents, political leaders, and civil society groups come together to demand justice for the victims and condemn the violence.

The Attack and Its Impact

On April 22, 2025, militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people—25 Indian nationals and one tourist from Nepal. The group “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the brutal assault. Indian officials swiftly denounced the attack as a terrorist act, accusing Pakistan of providing support to cross-border militant groups—an allegation Islamabad has denied.

Region-Wide Protests and Shutdowns

In the aftermath of the massacre, demonstrations erupted across Kashmir. Major political parties such as the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supported a region-wide shutdown to mourn the victims and demand accountability. The Jammu-Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also backed the bandh, describing the incident as a “heinous strike on the conscience of the region.”

As a result, markets, schools, and offices across several districts remained shut. The protests, while intense, remained largely peaceful. Participants held candlelight vigils, carried banners, and chanted slogans seeking justice. Community leaders emphasized that the protests were a plea for peace and a rejection of violence—not a show of support for militancy.

Government Actions and Support

In response to the tragedy, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced financial compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹2 lakh for those critically injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it a “horrific and inhuman act” and pledged that those behind the assault would be brought to justice.

Security forces were deployed in key areas to prevent any escalation of unrest. The government has urged protestors to maintain calm and use peaceful means to express their grief and anger.

Demands for Justice and Dialogue

Civil society organizations have called for an impartial and in-depth investigation into the attack, demanding that the perpetrators and their supporters face legal consequences. They have also appealed for renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan to address the root causes of the Kashmir conflict.

Religious and social leaders across communities have echoed the need for unity, calling on people to reject divisive narratives and instead work together to build lasting peace in the region. They stressed that acts of terror only worsen tensions and inflict pain on innocent lives.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam terror attack has left Kashmir in mourning and sparked a wave of public outcry across the Valley. While the priority remains to assist the victims and ensure justice, the larger issue at hand is finding a path toward sustainable peace. The protests underscore the deep desire among Kashmiris to live in a region free from fear and violence—a message that both local authorities and international stakeholders must take seriously as they move forward.