The recent brutal attack has sent shockwaves across the nation, and the emotions it has stirred are hard to put into words. As a proud Indian, it is difficult to let go of the anger, grief, and sense of violation that accompanies such an assault on our collective soul. This attack is not just a tragedy for the victims and their families; it is an assault on India’s very identity and unity. The idea of attacking innocent people based on their religion is a terrifying step backwards in our evolution as a nation. However, amidst the brutality, there are voices that remind us of the resilience and unity that still exists in India.
A Deeply Personal Loss and A Rising Anger
One of the most heartbreaking reactions came from Aarathi, whose father, N Ramachandran, was murdered in cold blood. Despite the horror she faced, she spoke about the kindness and care shown to her family by Kashmiri Muslims. In her words, we see a profound message: that attempts to divide India along religious lines will never succeed. India has always been a land of diverse faiths, and despite the attempts of some to pit communities against each other, the love and respect shared among the people of this land is much stronger.
Yet, the attack reflects a darker reality — that the forces behind this violence aim to deepen the rift, to stoke fear, and to push the narrative of religious divide. As K.V. Madhusudhanan, former IG of the CRPF, pointed out, this is part of the larger geopolitical game being played by Pakistan. In a country struggling with internal turmoil and a failing economy, the only way out, it seems, is to distract the masses with anti-India propaganda and attempts at destabilization. The reckless statements of Pakistan’s army chief, who sounded more like a fundamentalist preacher than a soldier, are a testament to this strategy. The deep state in Pakistan is behind these attempts to stoke terror because they know they cannot compete with India’s growing global stature. They believe that funding and fostering terrorism is a low-cost way to continue this war.
The Call for Strong, Decisive Action
The gravity of the situation is not lost on many. College student Joel Jolly Mathews from Thiruvananthapuram expressed his frustration and anger, calling for a strong, unrelenting response. “Enough is enough,” he says. His words echo the sentiment of many Indians who are no longer willing to sit back and engage in passive diplomacy. The need for a clear, tough strategy is paramount. A retaliation that hits hard and makes the perpetrators feel the consequences is the only language they understand. Joel is ready to bleed for Kashmir to remain firmly under the Indian flag — a sentiment shared by many who view this attack as a direct assault on India’s sovereignty.
A Turning Point in Kashmir’s Struggles
The attack seems to be a calculated attempt to throw Kashmir back into the chaos from which it was slowly emerging. The region had begun to stabilize after a series of reforms, and tourism was beginning to flourish, bringing hope to the locals. But this act of terror has once again overshadowed those positive strides. Vishnu G., a businessman from Kochi, points out that this attack was clearly designed to reverse these gains, to destabilize a region that was, for the first time in years, seeing peace. India’s response has been swift and firm, particularly with the decision to put the Indus Water Treaty on hold. Unlike in the past, India today has the political will and the global support to make its stand clear. The message is simple: peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
However, this attack also highlights a critical issue: security lapses. There were gaps in the intelligence and preparation that compounded the tragedy. These lapses need to be addressed to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. While retaliatory actions are essential, it is equally important to strengthen security infrastructure and be vigilant about internal vulnerabilities.
The Rise of Fear and Hatred
The tragedy has also prompted reactions of fear, especially from the families of those affected. Indu K.G., a teacher from Thiruvananthapuram, shared her thoughts on the attack. The horrific image of the wife of Navy officer Vinay Narwal, who was killed, keeps her up at night. She questions how an attack like this could happen anywhere in India, even in peaceful places like Kerala. According to her, this attack was aimed at creating a divide between Hindus and Muslims within the country, something that has been going on since the time of Partition. India’s history is one of resilience, but if such attacks continue, the call for a strong response will only grow louder.
Lakshmi Sreekumar, an HR consultant and social worker from Kochi, also expressed a deep sense of personal loss. N Ramachandran, the victim, was a brother to her, and she feels a strong sense of injustice and grief. She supports the idea of Israel-like action in response to such attacks, and calls on the opposition to set aside political differences and support the government in its efforts to protect the nation.
Standing Against Terrorism, Not Communities
In Hyderabad, comedian Syed Bashaar reminds us that none of us in the comfort of our homes can fully comprehend the horrors faced by the victims and survivors. While the rage and fear felt by ordinary citizens are real, he cautions against letting the attackers succeed in their goal of spreading hatred. The terrorists seek to sow division, and we must not fall into that trap. He also emphasizes that directing hate towards innocent Muslim children is just as dangerous as the terror itself. This is not a battle between Hindus and Muslims, but between humanity and those who seek to destroy it.
Similarly, screenplay writer Naveen Kumar Pivhal from Hyderabad urges that the attack is not just an assault on Kashmir or one particular community, but on the very soul of India. The growing anger and frustration are clear, but he cautions that peace cannot be built on empty words; it must come with accountability. His own perspective on cultural exchange and dialogue has shifted. The need for security, in his eyes, must now take precedence over cross-border friendships and peace talks.
Tourism and the Kashmir Question
The attack has also had a devastating impact on Kashmir’s economy. Many people, like PR personnel Charu Chellani, who had visited Kashmir just days before the tragedy, are deeply shaken by the incident. Kashmir, often called “heaven on earth,” is a prime tourist destination, and its economy is heavily reliant on tourism. The attack has not only affected the lives of the victims but also jeopardized the livelihoods of local families who depend on tourism. Despite this, Charu believes that Kashmiris as a whole are not responsible for the violence, and that it is critical for the region to heal and rebuild.
Avishek Chanda, a PhD scholar, believes the attack was a deliberate attempt to provoke the nation. Pakistan’s military-jihadi complex has a long history of using such tactics to further its own political agenda. However, he remains firm in his belief that this should not affect India’s relationship with the people of Kashmir. Instead of alienating Kashmiris, we must show them that they are an integral part of India.
The Need for National Unity
The selective targeting of tourists in the attack highlights the true motives of the perpetrators. It is an effort to instigate conflict and create division. But as Rishi Raja, an engineering graduate from Chennai, points out, terrorism is not a religious act. No religion advocates violence, and the attackers’ actions are inhumane and unjustifiable. The solution lies in unity and resilience, not division.
Madhu Sharma, a travel influencer from Bengaluru, shares her personal connection with Kashmir and her frustration over the incident. For many like her, Kashmir had long been a dream destination, but the attack has now marred its peaceful image. She hopes the government will take strong action to ensure that Kashmir remains a safe place for tourists.
The Real Faces of Kashmir
Finally, Antony Davis, a founder from Bengaluru, recalls his experiences in Kashmir, where he spent weeks interacting with locals. He speaks of the kindness, warmth, and hospitality of the people there. While acknowledging the presence of a few extremists who wish to disrupt the peace, he believes that the majority of Kashmiris are peace-loving and want nothing more than to live in harmony with the rest of India. He urges people to continue visiting Kashmir, showing support for the region's economy and its people.
In conclusion, while the attack on Kashmir was a horrific act of terror aimed at dividing us, it has only strengthened the resolve of millions of Indians to stand united. Whether it is through tough retaliation, better security measures, or showing solidarity with the people of Kashmir, the message is clear: India will not be broken. And no matter how many times the terrorists strike, the nation’s heart will continue to beat as one.
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