KNB Desk
Srinagar 22 April(KNB): A year after the deadly attack in Pahalgam that shook Kashmir and the nation, grief continues to linger in the Valley, with locals remembering the victims and describing the day as one of the darkest in recent history.
On April 22, 2025, gunmen opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, leaving 26 people dead and several others injured. The attack not only devastated families across the country but also left a deep scar on the collective conscience of Kashmir.
Speaking to Kashmir News Bureau (KNB), a local resident recalled the tragedy with visible anguish.
“That day was a bad and ugly day for Kashmir history. We still remember them,” he said.
Residents say the pain has not faded with time. Many locals were among the first responders, helping the injured and assisting security forces in evacuation efforts through the difficult terrain. From pony handlers to shopkeepers, people in the area played a crucial role in rescue operations.
The incident also had a lasting impact on tourism, the backbone of the local economy. However, despite the trauma, locals maintain that the essence of Kashmiri hospitality remains unchanged.
“We welcome tourists… we are the ones,” the resident added, underlining that the people of Kashmir continue to stand for peace and hospitality.
Reports indicate that the attackers had traversed challenging mountainous terrain for hours before carrying out the strike, highlighting the scale of planning behind the incident. Security has since been significantly strengthened across tourist destinations in the Valley to prevent any recurrence.
For families of the victims, the passage of time has done little to heal the wounds. Survivors and relatives continue to grapple with the loss, with many still struggling to come to terms with what happened on that day.
As Kashmir marks the anniversary of the attack, remembrance ceremonies and silent tributes reflect a shared grief that cuts across communities. In the quiet meadows of Pahalgam, where laughter once echoed, memories of that tragic day remain etched in silence.
Even as the Valley slowly moves forward, the message from its people is clear: the pain is real, the memories are alive—but so is their resolve to welcome visitors with the same warmth Kashmir has always been known for.(KNB)