As India reels from the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of several tourists, the nation has come together in grief, prayer, and strong condemnation. In a show of solidarity and mourning, students at Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal in Lucknow offered special ‘duas’ (prayers), expressing hope for peace and protection for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country at large.
“This Is the Death of Humanity”: Prayers and Condemnation From Across India
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), strongly condemned the attack, calling for strict punishment of the perpetrators and emphasizing the importance of maintaining communal harmony.
“We demand that the Indian government ensure the killers are punished severely. We appeal to the people of Pahalgam to maintain peace and communal harmony,” Maulana Rasheed told ANI.
“We organised special prayers at Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal and Shaheen Academy in Lucknow. We pray for the safety of all citizens from such horrific acts.”
Political Response and Pakistan’s Alleged Role
Former J&K Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the attack, calling it “intolerable” and an attempt to derail peace in the region.
“This is a very sad incident. Over the past three months, over 500,000 tourists visited Kashmir. Pakistan is behind this cowardly act, but the situation will be controlled. PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring it,” Gupta said.
Increased Security, Evacuation Measures for Tourists
As tension grips the Valley, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has deployed four additional flights—two each to Delhi and Mumbai—to assist tourists wishing to return home early. Air India has also announced two special flights from Srinagar in response to increased demand.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the Indian Army, have intensified search operations in the Baisran area of Anantnag, while choppers have been deployed to monitor the region from the air. Concertina wires have been placed around sensitive zones, and visuals from Srinagar and Pahalgam show deserted streets in what is usually a bustling tourist hub.
Funerals and Continued Protests
Coffins carrying the victims have been brought to Srinagar Airport, with state officials assisting in facilitating the return of deceased tourists to their home states. Simultaneously, candlelight marches, shutdowns, and protests have taken place in Baramulla, Kupwara, Poonch, Srinagar, and Jammu, reflecting nationwide grief and anger.
Many organisations and political parties have backed the Jammu bandh and called for justice and solidarity. Leaders from JKNC, PDP, Hurriyat Conference, and civil society have united in condemnation.
Looking Ahead: Kashmir’s Tourism and the Road to Healing
With this being one of the deadliest attacks since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, concerns have risen about Kashmir’s image and tourism revival. However, voices across the Valley have pledged to reject violence and preserve peace.
Ashiq Hussain, a Srinagar local, summed up the sentiment:
“This is the murder of humanity. Kashmir’s name is being dragged through the mud. We must rise together to reject these acts.”
India now stands united — in prayer, in protest, and in purpose — to ensure justice for the victims and resilience against those who seek to divide.