The brutal attack in Pahalgam has left the people of Jammu and Kashmir shaken, angry and heartbroken. As innocent lives were targeted in an act of violence that defies all human values, the valley once again finds itself grappling with grief. In times such as these, words often fall short, but actions—silent and unified—can echo louder than any condemnation. Observing a peaceful shutdown across Jammu and Kashmir in response to this heinous attack would be more than a gesture of sympathy. It would be a collective expression of mourning and solidarity with the victims and their families. It would send a powerful and unmistakable message: that the people of this land do not condone violence in any form, and they stand firmly against those who seek to tarnish the region’s image through bloodshed. A shutdown, if observed voluntarily and peacefully, can serve as a nonviolent protest—against terror, against extremism, and against the continued attempts to disrupt the social harmony of Kashmir. It would reaffirm the identity of Kashmiris as peace-loving citizens who cherish human life and coexistence above all else. This moment calls for unity—not division. It is an opportunity to rise above fear and rage, and to show the world that even in the face of brutality, the people of Kashmir choose the path of peace. The valley has endured much, but it has never lost its resilience or its sense of humanity. Let this shutdown not be seen as a disruption, but as a day of collective reflection—a moment of silence that roars with dignity.
Put teachers at the centre
Teachers’ Day was marked by tributes to educators and reflections on their contribution to society. In Jammu and Kashmir, however,...
