In the face of grave provocation, Jammu & Kashmir’s trajectory remains focused on constitutional integration, economic development, and social harmony. The courage of individuals like Syed Adil Hussain Shah and the unwavering public resolve offer hope that terrorism will find no foothold in the valley. The region marches toward lasting peace and prosperity, undeterred by the divisive agendas of external actors.

The April 22 terror attack in Baisaran Valley, nestled within the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, serves as a harrowing testament to the ruthless tactics of cross-border terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the region. Shortly after the assault, The Resistance Front (TRF)—a known offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba with a bloody history—claimed responsibility.

In this barbaric attack, over 27 innocent tourists lost their lives, while more than a dozen others suffered serious injuries. The assailants systematically targeted victims based on their Hindu identity, executing them with merciless precision. Husbands were slain before their wives, fathers gunned down in front of their children, and newlywed couples brutally separated. The sheer inhumanity of the incident is underscored by one devastating account: a woman who witnessed the murder of her husband begged the terrorists to take her life as well, yet they deliberately spared her. Instead, they chillingly instructed her to “go tell Modi,” using her as a living testament to their brutality.

This act of terror was not just an assault on innocent lives—it was a calculated attempt to instil psychological fear, sowing chaos in its wake. Yet, in the heart of the carnage, a moment of extraordinary defiance emerged.

Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a 28-year-old pony ride operator from Baisaran Valley, displayed immense bravery when he tried to wrestle a weapon away from one of the attackers in a desperate bid to protect the tourists under his care. In that fleeting yet heroic moment, he stood against terror with nothing but his courage. Tragically, he was shot and killed during this selfless act.

Shah’s sacrifice has since resonated across the region, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance—a testament to the unwavering spirit of ordinary Kashmiris, who reject terrorism and yearn for lasting peace.

Unprecedented Condemnation anddecisive response

The timing and location of this attack—just ahead of US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India and Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Saudi Arabia—strongly indicate a deliberate strategy to destabilize the region and provoke international attention. This echoes past instances, such as the 2000 Chattisinghpora massacre, where terrorists murdered 35 Sikhs during US President Bill Clinton’s visit to India, exploiting a high-profile diplomatic moment to amplify their agenda. However, what sets the........

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