In brief
One year following the horrific militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, testimonies of victims' families reveal the ongoing struggle with loss and grief. Aishanya Dwivedi holds onto memories of her husband, who was killed in the attack, while others, like Rajesh Narwal, face the silence of grief as they navigate life without their loved ones.
One year after a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, the families of the victims are still learning how to live with their losses.
Aishanya Dwivedi's husband, Shubham, was among the 26 people killed on April 22, 2025, when militants opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, marking one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in decades.
The beauty of Pahalgam contrasts starkly with its recent violent history, a stark reminder of the tension that exists in the region claimed by both India and Pakistan.
As Aishanya reflects on her grief, she recalls their first vacation together, which turned into a nightmare. The couple had married just two months prior. In lush meadows of Baisaran, their idyllic day quickly turned horrific when Shubham was tragically shot right in front of her.
While some families like Aishanya’s vocalize their pain and seek healing through open conversations, others such as Rajesh Narwal, remain overwhelmed by their loss. His son Vinay was also killed in the attack, and Rajesh reveals that his family struggles to even speak his name, paralyzed by the weight of their grief.
The responses to grief in these two families highlight contrasting paths: one embracing remembrance through stories, the other encapsulating their loss in silence. Both emphasize the ongoing pain that shapes their daily lives.
A year on, the wounds from the attack remain fresh, as families cling to memories while trying to rebuild their lives amidst a community grappling with anger and longing for peace.
For those affected, the challenge is to find a way forward while honoring the memories of lost loved ones.
