By: Nazia Nabi
For years, we’ve told the world that Kashmir is safe for outsiders. This wasn’t just a phrase for brochures or a carefully crafted slogan, it was a deeply held belief. It was a truth rooted in generations of hospitality, coexistence, and unwavering dignity.
But today, that truth feels under siege. Recent events have not only shaken the faith of those who believed in it, they have broken the hearts of Kashmiris who lived and even died to protect it.
Kashmir is more than its headlines. It is a land of poetry, Sufi tradition, and resilience. Time and again, despite conflict and hardship, Kashmiris have chosen compassion over hatred. We have opened our doors to visitors from all corners of the world, not for profit or politics, but because it is who we are. Our homes have been shelters. Our hearts have been open.
And yet, some paid the ultimate price for holding on to this truth. Locals gave up their lives to uphold the belief that Kashmir is safe for outsiders. They stood against extremism not with weapons, but with courage, with humanity. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder that peace is not passive, it requires action, even in the face of mortal danger.
What religion justifies the killing of innocents? None. No sacred book condones violence against the defenceless. Those who spill blood in the name of faith are not following religion; they are betraying it.
The tragedy we face is not only measured in lost lives, but in the crumbling of trust. When fear replaces welcome, when suspicion shadows hospitality, the soul of a place begins to fracture.
Still, the spirit of Kashmir persists. There are voices quiet but unwavering that continue to believe. Ordinary people who still open their homes, still believe in coexistence, still say with conviction: Kashmir is safe for outsiders.
It is time the world hears those voices. Not the ones that echo with hate, but the ones that whisper peace. It is time we reclaim the truth so many gave their lives for. Not just as a memory, but as a mandate for all of us.
The writer is a Social development professional. nabi..nazia@gmail.com
