The Momma Clan

After Pahalgam: What We as Citizens Can Do to Stop Terrorism

On 22 April 2025, the peaceful hills of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir echoed with gunfire, screams, and sirens. What should have been a haven of natural beauty became the site of unimaginable horror. The tragic loss of 26 innocent lives – tourists, locals, and brave security personnel – was the most brutal terror strike in the region since Pulwama in 2019.

As the nation mourns, the question that echoes in every corner is: What now?
What can we, the ordinary citizens of India, do to ensure such a tragedy never repeats?

While governments and armed forces battle terrorism on the frontlines, each one of us holds immense power in shaping a safer future. Here’s how we can contribute – not just in grief, but in action:

1. Stay Aware, Stay Vigilant

Pahalgam was not a military base – it was a tourist site. This attack was meant to shock civilians and spread fear. It’s a stark reminder that terror can strike anywhere. We must stay vigilant in public spaces, especially during travel.

What we can do:

• Observe and report suspicious packages, vehicles, or behaviour to local authorities.
• Encourage hotels, schools, malls, and tourist sites to hold regular emergency preparedness drills.
• Follow travel advisories and cooperate with security checks without complaint.

2. Refuse to Spread Hate or Panic

Terrorism thrives not just on destruction, but on division. After such an attack, it’s easy to fall into the trap of blame, anger, or hate speech – especially online. But this only furthers the terrorists’ goal of breaking our social fabric.

What we can do:

• Promote peace and unity through our words and actions.
• Call out communal or hateful content on social media.
• Stand in solidarity with all victims – irrespective of religion or region.

3. Support and Rebuild Affected Communities

In Pahalgam, several local guides, drivers, and shopkeepers lost not just loved ones but livelihoods. We must extend a helping hand to those who were directly impacted.

What we can do:

• Donate to verified relief funds or NGOs working in Kashmir.
• Support local businesses, artists, and tourism responsibly when the region is stable.
• Write letters, send aid, or participate in awareness drives for trauma counselling.

4. Educate the Young, Protect the Vulnerable

Extremist ideologies often prey on disillusioned youth. Combating radicalisation begins with education, empathy, and early intervention. The goal must be to build minds that question hate, not accept it.

What we can do:

• Encourage critical thinking, tolerance, and compassion at home and in schools.
• Talk openly to children and teenagers about global events and their impact.
• Advocate for mental health support and youth engagement initiatives, especially in conflict-prone areas.

5. Strengthen Civic Responsibility

One of the biggest lessons from Pahalgam is this: national security isn’t just the government’s job – it’s everyone’s. Every citizen is a stakeholder in peace.

What we can do:

• Vote for leaders who prioritise national security and communal harmony.
• Participate in public forums, awareness campaigns, or even blood donation drives for terror victims.
• Demand better infrastructure, surveillance, and safety protocols in public spaces.

6. Honour the Lives Lost – With Purpose

The 26 lives lost in Pahalgam must not fade into statistics. Behind each number was a face, a family, a future. Let their memory fuel our commitment to peace.

What we can do:

• Observe moments of silence in schools and offices.
• Share their stories, not just their names.
• Dedicate community events, art, or essays in their honour to raise awareness.

Final Thoughts: Let Pahalgam Be the Turning Point

Pahalgam, with its misty pines and glistening rivers, should never be remembered for bloodshed. It should stand as a symbol of resilience, not ruin.
Let this attack not only break our hearts – but awaken our conscience.
Let it remind us that every act of vigilance, kindness, or unity pushes darkness back a little further.

Terrorism may seek to divide, but together, we are unbreakable.

Together For Peace. Together For Pahalgam.

-Dr Arwa Saifi