A day after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed at least 28 lives, several leading newspapers across Kashmir published striking blacked-out front pages on Wednesday as a somber tribute to the victims and a unified protest against the violence.
English and Urdu dailies such as Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taameel-e-Irshad replaced their usual layouts with stark black pages, featuring only white or red text — a visual representation of mourning and defiance.
The headlines were chillingly direct.
Greater Kashmir led with: “Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving” in white, with the subheading “26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam” written in blood red. Other papers carried similar messages, lamenting what they described as one of the darkest days in recent memory for the Valley.
'Massacre in the meadow'
In an editorial titled “The massacre in the meadow – Protect Kashmir’s soul”, Greater Kashmir described the terror strike as a “deliberate blow to Kashmir's identity and values — its hospitality, its economy, and its fragile peace.”
“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,” the editorial read. “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 symbolic gesture by the region’s press not only signaled grief but also called attention to the broader implications of the attack — including the urgent need to reassess security measures in areas frequented by tourists.
Highlighting the vulnerability of Baisaran, the remote meadow where the ambush occurred, the editorial underscored the need for sharper intelligence coordination and proactive security strategies.
Calls for 'deeper community engagement'
“The fact that terrorists could strike a high-traffic tourist spot, accessible only by foot or pony, reveals a disturbing gap in our preparedness,” the paper noted, calling for “enhanced vigilance, deeper community engagement, and an uncompromising stance against terror networks.”
The editorial concluded with a rallying call for unity: “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.”
Across Srinagar and other towns, locals echoed the press's sentiments, with candlelight vigils and silent marches taking place late into the evening. The blacked-out front pages, now being widely shared on social media, served as both a protest and a promise — that Kashmir's voice will not be silenced, even in grief.
(With inputs from PTI)
English and Urdu dailies such as Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taameel-e-Irshad replaced their usual layouts with stark black pages, featuring only white or red text — a visual representation of mourning and defiance.
The headlines were chillingly direct.
Greater Kashmir led with: “Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving” in white, with the subheading “26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam” written in blood red. Other papers carried similar messages, lamenting what they described as one of the darkest days in recent memory for the Valley.
'Massacre in the meadow'
In an editorial titled “The massacre in the meadow – Protect Kashmir’s soul”, Greater Kashmir described the terror strike as a “deliberate blow to Kashmir's identity and values — its hospitality, its economy, and its fragile peace.”
“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,” the editorial read. “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 symbolic gesture by the region’s press not only signaled grief but also called attention to the broader implications of the attack — including the urgent need to reassess security measures in areas frequented by tourists.
Highlighting the vulnerability of Baisaran, the remote meadow where the ambush occurred, the editorial underscored the need for sharper intelligence coordination and proactive security strategies.
Calls for 'deeper community engagement'
“The fact that terrorists could strike a high-traffic tourist spot, accessible only by foot or pony, reveals a disturbing gap in our preparedness,” the paper noted, calling for “enhanced vigilance, deeper community engagement, and an uncompromising stance against terror networks.”
The editorial concluded with a rallying call for unity: “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.”
Across Srinagar and other towns, locals echoed the press's sentiments, with candlelight vigils and silent marches taking place late into the evening. The blacked-out front pages, now being widely shared on social media, served as both a protest and a promise — that Kashmir's voice will not be silenced, even in grief.
(With inputs from PTI)
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