Srinagar, April 25, 2025: Tanvir Sadiq, MLA from Zadibal and Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference , led a poignant candlelight vigil and march along the banks of Dal Lake on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to honour the victims of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, in Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025, has left the region in mourning, and Sadiq’s initiative reflected a call for unity and compassion in the face of tragedy.
Addressing the gathering, Sadiq described the attack as a “tragedy for humanity” and urged the nation to stand together against terrorism. “We stand with the country and with the families who have lost their loved ones. But Kashmiris are not the enemy—we have endured three decades of suffering. The country must also stand with us,” he said, condemning any harassment or targeting of Kashmiris across India as “wrong and unacceptable.” The event, attended by Transport Minister Satish Sharma and representatives from the tourism sector, including hoteliers and travel agents, underscored the collective grief and resolve to support the affected families.
The candlelight march, organized by the JKNC’s Zadibal block, saw participants holding candles and banners, expressing solidarity with the nation and condemning the attack perpetrated by The Resistance Front. Sadiq’s leadership in the vigil highlighted the JKNC’s commitment to fostering peace and countering divisive narratives, with social media posts amplifying his message: “Kashmiris are not your enemies. Every state, every citizen must now rise in solidarity.”
The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, has prompted widespread outrage and intensified security measures across the region. Sadiq’s call for empathy and unity resonated with attendees, who included local residents and stakeholders from the tourism industry, a sector severely impacted by the tragedy. The vigil also served as a platform to advocate for the protection of Kashmiri students and traders facing harassment outside the Valley, reinforcing the need for national cohesion.
As Jammu and Kashmir navigates the aftermath of the attack, Sadiq’s leadership in organising the Dal Lake vigil underscores the region’s resilience and commitment to peace. The event, marked by solemn prayers and a shared sense of loss, stood as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Kashmiriyat and India’s unity in the face of terror.
