On the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Kashmiri activist Javed Beigh sharply condemned terrorism and held Pakistan's establishment responsible for sustaining violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Beigh characterised the attack as a “barbaric, heinous and cowardly act” that was widely condemned by the local population, stating that such violence does not reflect the values or aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
He referred to the incident as the “second darkest chapter” in the region’s history after the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, noting that Kashmiris from all communities rejected the violence unequivocally. Beigh argued that the Pahalgam attack, which targeted tourists after identifying their religion, revealed what he described as a “terror industry” supported by Pakistan. He added that such acts damage Kashmir’s image and weaken its social fabric.
“Every Kashmiri condemned it. There were protests across the Valley, cutting across political and religious lines,” he stated, underlining the broad public outrage.
Beigh further accused Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies of sponsoring militancy in the region for nearly four decades. “For nearly 40 years, they have brought gun culture, hatred, and destruction to Kashmir,” he remarked, highlighting that thousands of lives have been lost and generations of youth deprived of opportunities.
Regarding India’s counter-terror efforts, Beigh commended security forces for targeting militant infrastructure linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed through “Operation Sindoor.”
On the global front, he called for increased accountability, urging international bodies like the United Nations to take action against Pakistan for its alleged support of terrorism and human rights abuses. He cited incidents involving minorities and ethnic groups within Pakistan to challenge what he termed the global community’s “silence.”
Looking ahead, Beigh advocated for decisive measures to prevent future attacks, including stronger political will and intensified operations against terror networks. He reiterated that Kashmiris, particularly the youth, are increasingly distancing themselves from militancy and seek peace and development.
“Kashmiris have rejected terrorism,” he stated, appealing for national unity to restore lasting peace and facilitate the return of displaced communities.