Pahalgam attack and it's aftermath

 When five armed Islamist militants struck tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, they killed 28 civilians and injured 20 others cold-bloodedly. These terrorists targeted Hindu tourists, asking victims to declare their religion or recite Islamic verses before executing them. One local pony operator, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, was killed while trying to protect the tourists. A tourist from Ahmedabad inadvertently recorded the carnage while ziplining over the area, capturing the chaos when the gunshots sounded.  


Gurudwaras opened their doors to fleeing tourists. Aid was supplied as quickly as possible, and the whole valley was now in shambles. People were running helter-skelter, hither and thither, searching for any shelter, for any sanctuary they could find.


As for the more long-term impacts, in response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed its borders with Pakistan, namely the Attari-Wagah border. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Pakistan denied involvement, but after relentless convincing and persuading, they suspended the Simla Agreement and closed Pakistani airspace to Indian flights. As Indian pilots navigate flights, the UN and countries like the USA and China call for peace.


The attack prompted a mass exodus of tourists from Kashmir, severely affecting the local economy. Reports of backlash against local Muslims and Kashmiri students in other parts of India raised concerns about communal harmony. Many Kashmiris expressed fear and uncertainty, feeling caught between the rising tensions of the two nations.


 It's been about 36 years as far as terror attacks are concerned, and what has come of it is just more and more bitter relations, more blood and more stereotypes. Today, children are surrounded by negativity and bias of certain religions in both countries, and our stereotypes, conflicts have impacted the upbringing of children. Is this really how we want generations of Pakistanis and Indians to grow up? The local pony operator was a Muslim trying to save the lives of Hindus. Why can't we recount moments like that? We need a progressive mindset, a fresh perspective on this conflict, and a call for peace. We must move on from the past and help each other build the future. Isn't that something to look forward to?

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