TCN Correspondent
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): “Even if my brother was involved in the attack, what has our family got to do with it?” asks Aisha Begum (name changed), standing in the middle of the rubble that was once her home in Pulwama, demolished by security forces.
Her family’s house was razed following the deadly terrorist attack on April 22 at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Aisha insists that they had no knowledge of her brother’s alleged involvement, yet they are now bearing the brunt of his reported actions.
The Pahalgam massacre has triggered a massive security crackdown across Kashmir. Hundreds have been detained, and at least eight homes of suspected terrorists have been demolished in raids conducted in the dead of night. These actions have left families displaced, including elderly parents, women and children, stirring anger and fear among local communities.
“Our son has nothing to do with anything. He works as a shopkeeper. Whenever these situations arise, he is detained,” says the mother of a detainee, speaking to TwoCircles.net.
She adds that the government should focus on punishing the perpetrators of the attack, not “innocent” families. “Killing innocent people is not the teaching of Islam. These tourists were our guests, and we respect our guests as God.”
Reports indicate that over 1,900 people have been detained for questioning following the attack, with officials claiming these detentions are necessary for gathering intelligence on the terrorists involved.
The attack, where terrorists targeted tourists based on their religion, has been widely condemned across Kashmir. In solidarity with the victims, the Valley observed a complete shutdown, with public sentiment rejecting the violence.
Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony operator, lost his life while attempting to protect tourists during the attack. His bravery has been hailed throughout the Valley, becoming a symbol of local resistance to violence.
However, the government’s response, alleged locals, has been “harsh”. In Pulwama alone, several neighbouring civilian homes were also allegedly damaged during the demolitions. This has amplified tensions, with fears growing that the Hindu-Muslim divide is being exploited, allegedly heightening the sense of insecurity among Muslims in India.
Political leaders from across the spectrum have condemned the mass detentions. Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi called the operation “punishment by exile”, warning that “this is not security”.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader also expressed support for action against those involved in violence or threats to national security. However, he stressed that such actions should not harm innocent civilians or be used as a cover to silence political opposition. He cautioned against the alleged misuse of power under the guise of security operations.
“Any misuse of power under the pretext of security operations is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” he said.
In a post on X, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern over the widespread detentions.
While Kashmiri’s collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolition of houses and neighbourhoods, is disturbing and distressing. I urge the…
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 27, 2025
He joined in the collective condemnation of the attack but criticised the alleged indiscriminate arrests and the destruction of homes of alleged terrorists.
“I urge the authorities, in seeking justice for the innocent victims, not to punish innocent Kashmiri families,” he wrote.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also called for a decisive crackdown on terrorism following the Pahalgam attack. In his statement on X, he underscored the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable while ensuring that innocent civilians are not harmed.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely & spontaneously. It’s time to build on this support and avoid any…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 27, 2025
“After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origins. The people have freely and openly condemned the killing of innocents. We must build on this unity, punish the guilty without mercy, but avoid any action that alienates or harms the innocent,” he added.
As Kashmir grapples with this violent chapter, the delicate balance between justice and “collective punishment” remains at the heart of the ongoing debate. The government’s heavy-handed approach continues to spark deep concerns among local communities, while the quest for justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack unfolds.