Pahalgam Attack Kills 25, Sparks Tensions in Kashmir

Following the deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have issued divergent responses, with Farooq Abdullah urging courage and confronting terrorism, while Mehbooba Mufti criticized his remarks for potentially stigmatizing Kashmiris and Muslims. The attack has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a crackdown in Kashmir, detentions, and increased harassment of Kashmiris across India. The situation has disrupted tourism and daily life, with Kashmiris expressing fear and uncertainty amid government actions and rising hostility. Abdullah also faced criticism for his comments on the 1990 Kashmiri Pandit genocide, which many viewed as insensitive, drawing backlash from political opponents. The broader context underscores the vulnerability of Kashmiris who are caught between external political conflicts and internal communal tensions.