It has been a week since the inhumane and dastardly attack on Hindus in the picturesque ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Pahalgam, Kashmir, shook the entire country. Images of innocent tourists, who were enjoying their vacation with family and friends haunt the country and the world. They were taken by surprise when terrorists carried out a premeditated attack and killed 27 of them — all Hindu men, except for one woman and one pony wala, who was a Muslim. More than 20 others were injured.
Over 40–50 tourists were saved due to the extraordinary courage of 4–5 local Muslim tourist guides, who risked their lives to protect them. Reports suggest that the attackers were four in number, including two local Muslims.
The terrorists forced the tourists to take down their pants, recite the Kalima, and produce their ID cards. Based on their identification as Hindus, they were singled out and shot at point-blank range in front of their screaming families.
Yakjah Reconciliation and Development Network strongly condemns this barbaric act of terror and stands in full solidarity with the victims’ families and survivors, who came from different parts of the country. We mourn the loss of the departed and for the swift recovery of those injured. May the Almighty grant strength and resilience to the families and friends as they cope with this unimaginable trauma and loss.
Yakjah also stands in unwavering solidarity with all communities of Jammu and Kashmir who have, at different times, suffered violence and persecution because of their faith, sectarian, or political beliefs. We believe that the fight against terrorism and religious extremism must be collective and uncompromising. Terrorism and religious extremism are threats to the very soul of our society, and we must confront them together with courage and conviction.
It is time for us to reclaim our shared heritage — the timeless legacy of saints, sages, sufis, and rishis — who taught us to live with compassion, wisdom, and unity. We must come together to purge our land of hatred and fear, and reclaim the true spirit of this land and uphold values of compassion, justice, and shared humanity.
We strongly condemn the attacks and harassment faced by Kashmiri students studying in different parts of the country. Such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and must be addressed urgently. We call upon the local administrations, law enforcement agencies, and the ruling party to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of these students, who are far from home and vulnerable.
Yakjah stands firmly in solidarity with all Kashmiri students and communities affected by these incidents. In these difficult and unsettling times, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting them.
We also urge the government to reconsider its policy of demolishing the homes of individuals accused of terrorism or involvement in terror-related activities. While national security is paramount and those responsible for violence must be held accountable through due process, the practice of collective punishment—particularly actions that affect innocent family members—raises serious ethical and legal concerns.
Destroying homes not only displaces families but can also deepen resentment, alienate communities, and risk further radicalization. In a region already marked by trauma and mistrust, such measures may undermine long-term peace and reconciliation efforts.
Yakjah believes that justice must be pursued with fairness and care, ensuring that the rights of individuals and families are not violated in the name of security. Sustainable peace can only be built through inclusive approaches that uphold the rule of law and protect the dignity of all citizens.
We extend our services to tourists visiting Kashmir and to Kashmiri students pursuing education outside the region. Whether it is guidance, emotional support, or logistical help, Yakjah is ready to assist in any way we can to ensure that every individual feels safe, welcomed, and protected.
Together, with compassion and resilience, we can overcome fear and division.
For assistance contact us at [email protected] or reach out via instagram : @yakjahnetwork.
