On Wednesday, several newspapers of Kashmir kept their first page black in protest against the brutal terrorist attack at Basaron, a tourist destination, known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ near Pahalgam city of Jammu and Kashmir. 26 people were killed in this attack, mostly tourists.
In protest against the attack, most newspapers gave effective titles in white or red color and publicly demonstrated solidarity and sorrow, which symbolized the collective grief felt by the residents and the media on this inhuman act.
The change made by dainiks of major English and Urdu, including ‘Greater Kashmir’, ‘Rising Kashmir’, ‘Kashmir Uzma’, ‘Aftab’ and ‘Taimil Irshad’, makes a reminder of the violence prevailing in the region for decades.
Major English daily ‘Greater Kashmir’ titled black layout, “Grusam: Kashmir Gatede, Kashmiri Grewing” (horrifying: Kashmir is in the destruction, Kashmiri mourning) “. After that, a subtitle in red was given “26 Killed in Dedley Terror Attack in Pahalgam” (26 people were killed in a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam).
On the front page of the newspaper, the editorial title was, “The Masskar in the Medo – Protect Kashmirs Sol” (Massacre in the meadow – protect the soul of Kashmir). The editorial states that due to the attack, there has been a feeling in Jammu and Kashmir. This was an area that was trying to revive its legacy of “heaven on earth”.
The editorial states, “This heinous act is not only an attack on innocent people, but also the identity and values of Kashmir – its hospitality, its economy and its delicate peace, intentionally attacking. The soul of Kashmir obviously condemns this cruelty and expresses condolences to the families of the victims, who come in search of beauty, but found a tragedy. ”
The newspaper highlighted the fact that even those places can target where there is a congestion of traffic or places where it can be reached only with the help of foot or mule. The newspaper called for more active measures, enhancing vigilance, engagement between communities, and to root out terrorism, indicating more intelligence information and need for strong coordination among the agencies, which are essential to prevent such magnitude from reworning.
The newspaper said, “The people of Kashmir have tolerated violence for a very long time, yet they are not broken. We do not have to divide from this attack, but we have to unite against terror. We urge the government, security forces, civil organizations and common citizens to form a collective front. ”
The editorial states, “It is only with determination that we can protect the upcoming tomorrow of our land, ensure that these grounds of Pahalgam are not with the sound of bullets, but to echo with laughter and Kashmir remains a symbol of peace and prosperity.”
