By Muneer Ahmed Gashi

The violence that erupted in Pahalgam, Anantnag, has once again put Kashmir under the microscope of national and international attention. But beyond the headlines and the images of destruction, there is a deeper, silent suffering that affects the lives of ordinary Kashmiris.

Every attack does not just bring bloodshed, it also brings an onslaught of misrepresentation, prejudice, and economic fallout.

As Kashmir remains caught in the grips of security measures and narratives, it is the people who bear the brunt. It is their lives that are disrupted, their future that is jeopardized. In the wake of each attack, the entire region is painted with the same broad brush: a place of violence, unrest, and fear. But this is a skewed narrative. For the people of Kashmir, it is not the violence that defines us, but our resilience, our peace-loving spirit, and our unwavering hospitality.

The attack in Pahalgam was a tragedy, but it was also a reflection of how Kashmir is treated, both within and outside of its borders. While the rest of India watches from a distance, the consequences of such violence are felt more acutely by the common people who have nothing to do with it. It’s not just the bullet wounds we endure, but the damage to our image, our culture, and our livelihood.

The tourism sector, a beacon of hope for many families, has taken a severe hit. Travelers hesitate to visit a region associated with violence, even though Kashmir’s landscapes remain as beautiful as ever. Our meadows, lakes, and........

© Kashmir Observer