NEW DELHI: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, commended Kashmiri civilians for the support they provided to the mostly Hindu victims of the terror attack in the scenic meadows of Pahalgam.

Parallel news portals were replete with clips and interviews of survivors expressing gratitude to local Kashmiris men and women who stepped up to provide succour and share grief.

“The manner in which a carnage was carried out — more than two dozen people killed after ascertaining their identities and in front of their families – is shocking and chilling beyond belief. We strongly condemn it. Who better can understand the pain and grief of loss to the families of those affected than a people who have suffered it for decades and still continue to,” Mirwaiz said at the Friday prayer meeting at Srinagar’s Grand Mosque.

“Our hearts go out to these families who will never see their loved ones again, and our prayers are with them. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Decries media’s ‘communal rhetoric of hate’ that has rendered Kashmiris vulnerable, forcing many to flee cities across the country

Kashmiris have always opened their hearts and homes to outsiders, especially tourists, he said.

“Known for our hospitality to visitors, people of Kashmir once again upheld the tradition of outreach, help, and humanity in this distressing time. Being left helpless, locals helped those at the spot to flee, even at the risk to their own lives, in which pony operator Adil Hussain lost his life. We pay homage to this brave young Kashmiri who gave the ultimate sacrifice of life while saving that of others.”

Some others rushed the injured, some even on their backs, trekking miles to hospitals.

“Kashmiris, in every manner, reached out to help the distressed tourists, as can be seen in videos where tourists are thanking them for opening up their homes to them, giving them food and free taxi rides to airports and other destinations, and even providing emotional support. People observed a complete shutdown, held spontaneous and silent protests, and candlelight vigils in memory of those killed in this horrific manner,” Mirwaiz said.

“The people of Kashmir send a strong message of their total disapproval of such actions and their solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved by standing shoulder to shoulder with them.”

Criticising a large section of the mainstream media for “its communal rhetoric of hate directed against Kashmiris” he said that Kashmiris across India had been rendered vulnerable.

Hundreds have been forced to leave cities and towns, especially students, causing great distress to their families and to all of us, he said.

“I appeal to the concerned governments in different states of India to ensure the safety of our students and all other Kashmiris. I also ask the authorities to allow me to visit the injured in hospitals and to the house of Adil Hussain to pay my condolences to the family of this brave heart,” Mirwaiz said.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2025