On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, around 3:00 PM, a horrific incident shook the nation to its core. A group of tourists, soaking in the beauty of what’s often called “paradise on Earth,” were brutally targeted in a planned massacre. The attackers didn’t care about their caste, language, or state of origin. They asked one chilling question: “Are you Hindu?” For those who answered yes, bullets tore through their chests without mercy. This wasn’t just murder—it was a targeted killing, a religious hate crime that left 26 people dead, with fears the toll could rise. This article dives into the heart-wrenching details of the Pahalgam attack, its impact on India’s unity, and the questions it raises about safety and humanity.
A Dark Day in Pahalgam
Imagine a family, like that of Manjunath Rao from Karnataka, traveling to Kashmir with dreams of witnessing its breathtaking valleys. Manjunath, his wife Pallavi, and their son arrived to explore what’s often called India’s crown jewel. But their dream turned into a nightmare. Terrorists approached, asked for his name, and confirmed his religion. The next moment, bullets riddled his chest as his wife and son watched in horror. Pallavi’s screams echoed as she begged for mercy, only to hear the chilling response: “Go tell Modi.” This wasn’t a random act—it was a calculated slaughter aimed at Hindus.
The attackers, reportedly from The Resistance Front, a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, didn’t stop at one victim. They moved through the crowd, demanding tourists show their clothing to identify their religion. If confirmed as Hindu, they were shot dead. No debate, no humanity, just a single question: “Are you Hindu?” The brutality of this ** religiously motivated attack** has left India reeling, with 26 confirmed deaths and counting.
Kashmir: From Paradise to Killing Field
Kashmir, often celebrated for its serene beauty and Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (cultural harmony), has a dark history of violence. The Pahalgam attack isn’t an isolated incident but part of a grim pattern. From the 1989-90 Kashmiri Pandit exodus to the 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 47 soldiers, religious extremism has repeatedly stained the valley with blood. The 1990s saw slogans like “Raliv, Galiv, ya Chaliv” (convert, die, or flee), driving lakhs of Pandits from their homes. Names like Tika Lal Taploo, killed in 1989, and BK Ganjoo, murdered in a rice drum, haunt the region’s history.
Recent years haven’t been kinder. In 2022, 150 Pandit employees fled Kashmir fearing for their lives. In 2023, Sanjay Sharma was gunned down. Now, in 2025, tourists like Manjunath Rao have become victims of this ongoing genocide. The attackers—groups like JKLF, Hizbul Mujahideen, and now The Resistance Front—have consistently targeted one community: Hindus. This isn’t random violence; it’s a systematic ethnic cleansing rooted in religious fanaticism.
A Blow to India’s Unity
India prides itself on its diversity and unity, often chanting “Mazhab nahi sikhata apas mein bair rakhna” (religion doesn’t teach hatred). But the Pahalgam massacre rips apart this narrative. The attackers didn’t care about the victims’ backgrounds—only their faith. This hate-driven violence challenges the idea of India as a land of coexistence. It raises painful questions: Why is religion being weaponized? Why are Hindus being singled out in Kashmir? And why, despite claims of peace post-Article 370’s abrogation, do such targeted attacks persist?
The tragedy also puts the government on the spot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly assured the nation that terrorism is under control. Yet, this attack—described as the biggest since Pulwama—exposes cracks in that narrative. Why are terrorist groups still bold enough to carry out such atrocities? Why isn’t there enough fear in their hearts to deter such acts? The public demands answers, not speeches. They want decisive action, not promises.
A Call to Action
This isn’t just about one community—it’s about humanity. The Pahalgam massacre isn’t only a Hindu issue; it’s an attack on India’s soul. Silence in the face of such barbarism makes us complicit. Every Indian, regardless of faith, must raise their voice against this religious terrorism. To those who stay quiet out of fear or apathy: your silence could one day weigh on the graves of your loved ones. To the Muslim community: join us in condemning this violence. Make it clear that murder in the name of religion isn’t worship—it’s a betrayal of faith.
The government must act swiftly. Terrorist networks like The Resistance Front need to be crushed, their supporters exposed, and their sympathizers held accountable. Kashmir isn’t just a tourist spot; it’s India’s crown. Its valleys shouldn’t be a graveyard for Hindus or anyone else. The blood spilled in Pahalgam demands justice, not rhetoric. Every drop of it calls for a response that uproots terrorism from its core.
Moving Forward
Kashmir’s wounds run deep, but they can heal with collective resolve. The nation must stand united, rejecting divisive ideologies and demanding accountability. The victims, like Manjunath Rao, deserve justice. Their families need closure. And India needs a Kashmir where no one fears death for their faith. Let’s honor the fallen by fighting for a future where humanity triumphs over hatred.
As we mourn the 26 lives lost, let’s pray for their souls and strength for their families. Let’s vow to make Kashmir the paradise it’s meant to be—not a slaughterhouse. Om Shanti. Jai Hind.