22 April 2025, the day that will be remembered as deplorable day in Kashmir every year till the existence of the universe. The day which broke hearts of millions into pieces and snatched happiness and smiles from faces of many people forever. Some unknown gunmen appeared out of nowhere and started firing at innocent tourists in Baisaran valley of Pahalgam Kashmir, who were busy in enjoying the pleasant beauty and breeze of the valley and in collecting and capturing the mo-ments of rejoice and amusement, with their beloved ones, unaware of what desti-ny has decreed for them in the next moment. Our deep condolences are with the families of the departed souls. We equally share their grief and sorrow that befell them owing to this incident. Whosoever has committed this heinous crime is cer-tainly condemnable in the eyes of law and religion. This is totally an act of cruelty and barbarism which no religion, law or culture can permit and appreciate. Who-soever are in favor of such nonsense attacks is totally inhuman and savage. The persons responsible for this must face the stern punishment on immediate basis.
This incident has once again created fear and apprehension in the hearts and minds of the tourists from all over the world especially the tourists belonging to parts of India. That is an obvious thing for every person as life is important than any other luxury and amusement in the world. Apart from the loss of innocent and valuable lives, the tourism industry has adversely affected as well.
The most lamenting things that came to appearance following the Pahalgam inci-dent is the defamation of the Kashmiri people throughout the other parts of India. People started hating and passing negative comments regarding Kashmir and Kashmiri people. People in different states of India say negative things about Kashmir and the inhabitants herein, especially regarding Muslim community in Kashmir. As a matter of fact, those people must not forget the love and respect shown by the Kashmiri people towards the tourist all the time specifically in win-ters when the road was blocked and many tourists were struck in traffic in the chilling nights of winter. It was the Muslim community of Kashmir who arranged food and accommodation for the stranded tourist and visitors. Muslims provided their own homes and even the mosques for the rest and convenience of the stranded tourists. Mosques were opened for tourists and even the all the heating arrangement was done to ensure the safety and security of the outsiders. Muslims compromised their own comfort and safety for the safety of the tourists irrespec-tive of their religion caste or color.
Unfortunately, after every such undesirable incident taking place in Kashmir, Kashmiri Drivers, students and businessmen are beaten in some parts of India, just because they belong to Kashmir and above all the Muslim community, even though those driver or students has to do nothing with these things. Even any common Kashmiri never wants such incidents to appear in any part of the world let alone the valley of Kashmir, which is known for its love, respect, hospitality apart from its scenic beauty, lofty mountains, life-giving breeze, and sweet tasted waters.
So far as the religion of Islam is concerned, Islam preaches that “if you kill any innocent person, it is like you killed the whole humanity” . One more such teachings of Islam is that , “ if you see any harmful object in the path remove it from that place and keep it somewhere to ensure that no one is hurt by the same”.
Combining the teachings of Islam and the loving and hospitable nature of Kashmiri Muslims, how can a Kashmiri Muslim even think of committing such a shameful and deplorable act? This is totally an act of foolishness and a nonsense gesture on part of those, who, beat Kashmiri students and businessmen outside Kashmir, just because they belong to Kashmir and their religion is Islam.
The reality is that we are overwhelmed with joy and happiness by the excess in-flow of tourists and visitors irrespective of their religion, country or color. Because it is the source of increase in our employment opportunities for the unemployed youth in our valley at large scale. Tourism is the backbone of today’s economy in every nook and corner of the world and so happens with valley of Kashmir. The more inflow of tourists and visitors in valley the more betterment in the standard of living of Kashmiri people. Tourism is the reason our youth stays away from ille-gal activities like smoking, drug abuse and so on and focus on career building whether by setting up any travel agency, purchasing personal SUV for transport-ing tourists from one destination to another, working as a tourist guide and help-ing tourists to get the insights of any destination be it any garden, park, lake and whatnot. From any a pony-rider to the large guest house or house boat owner, every one wishes the more and more inflow of tourists in the valley. Directly or indirectly, everyone in Kashmir shares the benefits of tourism in Kashmir valley.
At last I as a common Kashmiri want to convey a sincere and honest message to the whole world especially the people of India, that we are equally struck and hurt by this heinous crime committed by some mentally unstable persons. We con-demn this act in same words and with same intensity as the victims of this inci-dent, as we are also the victims of this shameful act in one or the other way. We wish peace for the departed souls and patience and better returns for the loss of their beloved family members. We are highly ashamed that this incident took place in valley. And we expect, the same trust and reliance from the tourists of every part of the world specifically India as it was before this heartbreaking inci-dent.
May all the departed souls rest in peace…
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