Indian American Community Mourns Victims of Pahalgam Terror Attack in Kashmir

The Indian American community has been left heartbroken after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The tragedy claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them Hindu tourists, including one person from Nepal. More than 20 others were seriously injured, making it the deadliest attack in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

According to survivors and early investigations, the attackers deliberately targeted victims based on their religion. Tourists were reportedly asked to recite Islamic prayers and, in some cases, were subjected to humiliating checks to identify their faith before being shot at close range. One survivor shared that a woman was purposely spared by the attackers so she could later tell the Indian Prime Minister what had happened. Other survivors described the chilling scene where attackers even took selfies with the bodies of the victims.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a group believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. Reports suggest the attack was meant as a warning against demographic changes in Kashmir.

The shock of this violence has deeply affected Indian Americans across the United States, especially in areas like Washington, DC, Houston, Seattle, and Atlanta. Candlelight vigils, prayer meetings, and peaceful marches were organized to honor the victims and call for justice. Many mourners were Kashmiri Hindus or had family ties to the valley, and their grief was deeply personal. They shared painful memories of past displacements and tragedies that echoed the latest attack.

At these events, emotional speeches called for stronger global action against targeted violence. Placards with messages like "Stop Killing Innocents," "Justice for Kashmir Victims," and "Hindu Lives Matter" were seen everywhere. Hymns were sung, candles were lit, and moments of silence were observed to remember the lives lost. Along with sadness, there was also anger and frustration over what many see as the world's continued silence about the suffering of Kashmiri Hindus.

In response to the attack, the Indian government quickly launched a large-scale crackdown in Kashmir, arresting hundreds of people linked to terrorist networks and dismantling suspected militant hideouts.

The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about the safety of minorities in Kashmir and the future of tourism in the region, which had been working hard to recover its reputation as a safe and beautiful travel destination.

As the vigils ended, the message from the Indian American community was loud and clear: a heartfelt call for peace, justice, and recognition of the pain endured by Kashmiri Hindus and other victims of terrorism. The sorrow from April 22 will not be easily forgotten, standing as a powerful reminder of how violence can cast long shadows across generations and continents.