Kashmir dailies go black to protest Pahalgam terror attack

In a powerful act of protest, several leading newspapers in Kashmir turned their front pages black on Wednesday (April 23), condemning the horrific terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 people — most of them tourists — at the Pahalgam hill resort the previous day.

This striking visual protest by the newspapers, marked by bold white or red headlines on a black backdrop, expressed deep sorrow and unity, reflecting the collective grief shared by both the media and the wider Kashmiri community in the wake of the inhuman violence.

This symbolic move by prominent English and Urdu dailies such as Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taimeel Irshad, once again underscores the long shadow of conflict that has haunted the region for decades.

Solidarity in sorrow

The headline of the prominent English daily Greater Kashmir screamed, "Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving", printed in white against a black backdrop. Below the headline, the subhead in red read, "26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam."

In a strongly worded front-page editorial titled 'The massacre in the meadow – Protect Kashmir’s soul', the newspaper asserted that the latest terrorist attack had once again cast a grim shadow over Jammu and Kashmir — a region striving to reclaim its legacy as 'Paradise on Earth'.

"This heinous act is not merely an assault on innocent lives but a deliberate blow to Kashmir's identity and values – its hospitality, its economy, and its fragile peace. Kashmir's soul stands in unequivocal condemnation of this brutality and offers heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, who sought beauty but found tragedy," the editorial said.

Call for unity

Pointing to the alarming breach of security at a heavily frequented tourist destination accessible only on foot or pony, the editorial stressed the urgent need for improved intelligence gathering and tighter coordination among security agencies.

It urged the implementation of robust preventive strategies — including heightened surveillance, deeper community involvement, and a decisive crackdown on terrorism.

"Kashmir's people have endured violence for too long, yet their spirit remains unbroken. This attack must not sow division but unite us in defiance of terror. We urge all — government, security forces, civil society, and citizens — to forge a collective front.

"Only through unwavering resolve can we protect our land's future, ensuring that Pahalgam's meadows echo with laughter, not gunfire, and that Kashmir remains a beacon of peace and prosperity," the editorial said.

(With inputs from agencies)