The Facade of Kashmiriyat: Unmasking the Truth Behind Pahalgam’s Candle March

A Valley in Mourning

On April 22, 2025, the serene valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was shattered by a horrific terror attack that claimed the lives of at least 26 tourists, including Hindus specifically targeted for their religious identity.

The attack, executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), was a chilling reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. As the nation mourned, locals in Pahalgam organized a candlelight march—ostensibly to protest the violence and express solidarity with the victims.

However, videos circulating on social media reveal a disturbing reality: while some locals held candles, others in the background were seen laughing and behaving as if celebrating—casting a dark shadow over the oft-romanticized concept of “Kashmiriyat,” a supposed symbol of communal harmony.

The Candle March: A Hollow Gesture?

The candlelight march in Pahalgam was meant to express outrage against the brutal attack on innocent tourists in Baisaran Valley, a picturesque spot known as the “mini Switzerland” of Kashmir.

Organized by local shop owners, taxi drivers, pony owners, and hoteliers, the march was framed as a response to the economic fallout of the attack, which threatens the region’s tourism-driven economy.

However, social media posts—particularly on platform X (formerly Twitter)—paint a different picture. Eyewitness accounts and videos show individuals in the crowd smirking, giggling, and displaying a lack of solemnity. One X user remarked:

“Locals of #Pahalgam holding candle march and the guys behind are laughing like they are happy and celebrating. The real face of Kashmiriyat.”

Such behavior raises serious questions about the sincerity of the local response. Was this truly a condemnation of terrorism, or a performative gesture aimed at preserving tourism dollars?

Kashmiriyat: A Myth Exposed?

Kashmiriyat, long portrayed as a syncretic blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures, has often been invoked as a symbol of unity and coexistence in the Valley.

But the events of April 22 challenge this narrative. The terror attack was marked by deliberate religious targeting: terrorists reportedly checked ID cards and even pulled down tourists’ pants to identify Hindus before executing them at point-blank range.

The indifference displayed by some locals during the candle march appears to reflect a deeper, more troubling sentiment. Is Kashmiriyat merely a rhetorical cover for selective empathy?

This skepticism is not new. X posts have labeled the march as:

“A drama filled with fake crocodile tears,”

with others alleging that such events are staged to maintain a facade of harmony while hiding support for extremist ideologies.

One user cynically wrote:

“Wait for some time. You may also hear, how some ‘brave’ Kashmiri Muslim saved Hindus. Classic Al-Takiya template.”

Though such claims remain unverified, they reflect a growing distrust of such symbolic gestures.

The Context of the Attack

The Pahalgam attack is one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. Twenty-six tourists, including two foreigners, were killed, and at least 20 were injured.

The attackers—three foreign and one local terrorist—used AK-47s and M4 rifles to fire indiscriminately at picnicking tourists in Baisaran Valley.

One survivor, Pallavi from Karnataka, recounted how a gunman shot her husband after confirming he was non-Muslim.

The attack’s timing—just weeks before the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage—and its location in a popular tourist destination suggest a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region’s improving security and economic prospects.

Government Response and National Reaction

The Indian government responded swiftly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to review security.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case, and heightened security measures have been implemented across the region.

Still, the local response—specifically the troubling behavior during the candle march—has sparked national outrage.

A Call for Accountability

The laughter during the Pahalgam candle march is not just a moment of insensitivity. It is a symptom of a deeper malaise—a societal rot that must be confronted.

If Kashmiriyat is to mean anything, it cannot be reduced to empty gestures or economic self-preservation. The targeted killings of Hindus, followed by apathetic responses, demand both introspection and accountability.

The government must not only pursue justice for the victims by punishing the terrorists but must also address the social climate that permits such reactions to fester.

Conclusion: Truth Over Tired Narratives

For the readers of Hindutone.com, this incident serves as a painful reminder of the challenges Hindu communities face in regions where they are minorities.

The grief of victims’ families cannot be soothed by hollow marches or superficial unity. It’s time to confront the uncomfortable truths hidden behind romanticized narratives.

Let us honor the memory of those lost—not with candles alone—but by demanding justice, fostering real dialogue, and exposing facades that hinder healing.

The laughter in Pahalgam must not drown out the cries for truth and justice. Only then can the real wounds begin to heal.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on available information and social media posts. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate all perspectives and seek verified sources for a comprehensive understanding.