By Rimmi Vaghela

I’m writing with a heavy heart from Jammu, where my plan of revisiting the paradise called Kashmir were shattered. Not by fear, but by circumstances and the weight of sorrow.

It’s April 27, 2025, and I’m sharing my story, hoping it reaches those who still believe in the warmth of humanity over the divisive noise of prime-time media.

My family and I had planned a journey to Pahalgam for April 22–24, followed by days in Srinagar until May 3. The excitement of walking through Kashmir’s valleys, breathing its crisp air, and soaking in its timeless beauty kept us awake at night. But when we arrived in Jammu on April 21, our plans unraveled.

The all-weather road connecting Jammu to Srinagar was blocked by a massive landslide near Ramban district. Stranded, we considered the Mughal Road to reach Pahalgam, a grueling 15–16-hour journey. But with young children and elderly parents, the thought of such a trip felt daunting. We let go of that plan, hoping for another way.

Then, on the evening of April 22, calls from family in Ahmedabad flooded in, their voices trembling with worry. News of a horrific terror attack in Pahalgam—the first of its kind in Kashmir’s history—shook us to the core.

Twenty six lives lost, countless dreams broken. I won’t delve into the details; the pain is too raw, and the stories spun by prime-time channels only deepen the wounds. They thrive on hatred, weaving narratives that pit us against each other for TRP greed and political gain. But I refuse to let their lies define my story. Instead, I want to share two encounters that reminded me why........

© Kashmir Observer