The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which occurred on April 22, 2025, has prompted actor and poet Zain Durrani to speak out. Durrani, like many others, had observed a period of relative calm and improvement in Kashmir, which made the attack particularly disheartening. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists, has been widely condemned.

The attack has disrupted the sense of normalcy that many in Kashmir were beginning to experience. Durrani's sentiments reflect a broader disappointment that the progress made in the region was so brutally undermined. The attack specifically targeted Hindu tourists, as the terrorists allegedly segregated victims based on their faith. A relatively unknown terrorist group called The Resistance Front (TRF), claimed responsibility for the attack initially, but later retracted the claim. Some suggest that TRF retracted the claim due to the strong condemnation from Kashmiris and the international community, possibly under pressure from Pakistan.

The Pahalgam attack is considered the worst in the disputed region in nearly 25 years. It triggered a crackdown by Indian security forces, resulting in numerous arrests. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently investigating the attack, and a special court has extended the custody of two locals accused of providing shelter to the attackers.

The attack has also led to increased military tensions with Pakistan, which India accuses of supporting the attack. Pakistan denies these charges. The global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has condemned the attack, stating that it could not have occurred without the financial means to support terrorist activities.

In the aftermath of the attack, security measures have been significantly increased, especially for events like the Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to a holy cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas, is proceeding with heightened security to protect the pilgrims.

The attack exposed potential failures in Indian intelligence gathering and has placed the government under public pressure to respond decisively to terrorism. The government's response may mark a turning point in its approach to countering terrorism in the region. Some analysts suggest that the focus on promoting tourism and portraying a sense of peacefulness may have led to an underestimation of security risks.

The situation remains fragile, and the attack has heightened anxiety among residents, with fears of further crackdowns and detentions. Despite these challenges, local communities have shown cooperation, such as providing assistance to Amarnath Yatris.