Kashmir, Where Terror Has Begun Again — A Land in Need of the Global Church's Prayer and Service

Joanne Choi(South Asian Studies Association)

On the afternoon of April 22, local time in India, a shooting attack took place in Pahalgam—one of Kashmir’s most well-known tourist destinations. The attack, believed to be carried out by an armed militant group, targeted Indian tourists from outside Kashmir as well as foreign nationals. Reports confirm that 26 people were killed, including two foreign nationals(TOI City Desk, 2025).

A 26-year-old Indian Navy officer was killed in the attack. (Photo = Kulgam News Agency, a local media outlet in Kashmir)

This shooting is a deeply tragic event. The area where the attack occurred has, since the political stabilization of 2021, become a popular destination for tourists. Before that period of relative calm, residents of the region suffered from severe economic hardship. In recent years, however, the tourism industry has seen growth, with many locals relying on it as their primary source of income. In the wake of this large-scale attack, the local tourism sector announced its closure as of today, April 23, and held a candlelight vigil in mourning.

“Tourists are our lifeline.” Kashmiris hold a candlelight vigil in remembrance.  (Photo = Kulgam News Agency, a local media outlet in Kashmir)

On the 22nd, following the tourism industry's strike in response to the attack, shops across tourist areas were shuttered. (Photo courtesy of the contributor)

Though attacks targeting Indian tourists and foreign visitors have occurred over the past few years, the scale of casualties in this recent incident is unprecedented. In November of last year, a grenade attack occurred near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and Sunday Market in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, injuring 12 civilians. That was considered the first attack to directly target civilians and foreigners(Parveen, 2025).

A militant group calling itself the “Kashmir Resistance Movement” has claimed responsibility for the attack. On social media, the group expressed its discontent over what it claimed were over 85,000 non-locals settling in the region, warning that “violence will inevitably be directed at those who attempt illegal settlement”(JoongAng Ilbo, 2025).

Most of the armed resistance groups engaging in violent activities in Kashmir do so under the belief that India’s occupation of the region is illegal. Their actions are driven by an ideology rooted in Islamic jihad—they claim they are carrying out Allah’s command through holy war, as a response to what they see as India’s unlawful control of Kashmir. Indirectly, the ongoing crisis in Gaza—where innocent Muslim civilians continue to suffer—may also be fueling internal support within these groups for continued violence in Kashmir. While the Indian government has accused Pakistan of being directly or indirectly involved in backing such groups, Pakistan has officially denied these claims.

Importantly, these militant acts are also drawing condemnation from Kashmir’s Muslim community. Many young people in the region have said, “No true Muslim would do something like this.” Some among the Muslim minority even quietly express support for Prime Minister Modi, believing that his administration has brought a level of political stability and economic opportunity that Kashmir has never seen before. Still, due to social pressure, many are reluctant to voice their support openly. Privately, some have said, “The Modi government has governed better than any before.”

The recent attack has sparked international attention. The United States has issued statements mourning the victims and expressing solidarity with the Indian government.(Chung, 2025). The global community is once again turning its eyes toward Kashmir.

At this time, it feels as though even God is calling us to pray and serve for the souls of Kashmir, who are suffering in the midst of ongoing conflict. Through this horrific attack, the long-buried pain and deep-rooted problems of the region have been exposed once again. May our prayers align with God’s will, bringing true life to the land of Kashmir, and may the truth set its people free.

References

Chung, C. (2025, April 23). Trump expresses “deep concern” over Kashmir shooting attack: “We stand with India.” KBS News. https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=8235026

JoongAng Ilbo. (April 22, 2025). Mass shooting targeting tourists leaves at least 24 dead… "Despicable beasts," India outraged. https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25330556

Parveen, S. (2025, April 22). Pahalgam terror attack: Recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir | A timeline. Outlook India. https://www.outlookindia.com/national/pahalgam-terror-attack-many-killed-and-several-injured-a-look-back-at-jks-recent-attacks

TOI City Desk. (2025, April 22). Pahalgam terror attack: Over 50 tourists from Goa stuck in Jammu and Kashmir, say officials. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/pahalgam-terror-attack-over-50-tourists-from-goa-stuck-in-jammu-and-kashmir-say-officials/articleshow/120540766.cms