Kashmir, April 27, 2025 – Over 100 members of the Indian community in Finland gathered today at Helsinki’s iconic Senate Square for a heartfelt Shradhanjali to commemorate the 26 victims of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, India, on April 22. The peaceful assembly, marked by candles, placards, and the Indian tricolor, expressed profound sorrow, solidarity, and a resolute condemnation of terrorism.
The attack at Baisaran meadow, perpetrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy The Resistance Front, claimed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, sending shockwaves globally and crippling Kashmir’s tourism industry with nearly 80% of bookings cancelled. The Helsinki gathering, attended by families, students, and professionals, underscored the urgent need for global unity against violence.
Participants held signs reading “No to Terrorism” and “Justice for Pahalgam,” while chanting slogans for peace and an end to violence. A speaker at the event declared, “This Shradhanjali honors the innocent lives lost and sends a clear message: terrorism has no place in our world. We call on the international community to confront those who sponsor such acts.” A moment of silence was observed, followed by prayers for the victims’ families and peace in Kashmir.
The event resonated with actor Atul Kulkarni’s ‘Chalo Kashmir’ campaign, which encourages tourists to visit the Valley to counter the terrorists’ aim of economic disruption. The Indian community in Finland emphasized Kashmiriyat—the Valley’s ethos of harmony—and urged global support to combat state-sponsored terrorism.
Shared widely on X with hashtags like #Finland and #DefeatTerror, the gathering inspired messages such as, “Helsinki’s Shradhanjali for Pahalgam victims shows the world stands with India.” The event, supported by local Finns, highlighted a collective resolve to uphold peace and humanity.
India has responded to the attack with a sweeping security crackdown, demolishing homes of 10 terrorists and identifying 14 local militants. The attack has also escalated India-Pakistan tensions, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari-Wagah border. The Helsinki Shradhanjali stands as a powerful testament to global solidarity and a call for justice.