Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left the nation shaken and grieving. Speaking at the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations organized by FICCI in New Delhi, Akhtar addressed the complexities of Indo-Pak relations and the disturbing backlash faced by innocent Kashmiris across the country in the aftermath of the attack. With a powerful message urging solidarity and restraint, Akhtar made it clear that targeting fellow Indians only serves to support the very propaganda our adversaries aim to spread.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Nation in Mourning
The Pahalgam terror attack took place last Tuesday, when heavily armed gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 26 and injuring many others. The horrifying attack was reportedly orchestrated by foreign militants, though investigations are still ongoing. The tragedy has evoked widespread sorrow and outrage across India, with calls for justice and firm retaliation.
In the days following the attack, however, incidents of local vigilante actions and harassment of Kashmiri vendors and workers surfaced from various parts of the country, including Mussoorie and Dehradun. Reports indicate that Kashmiri shawl sellers were attacked, forcing many to flee in fear for their safety. This misplaced aggression, targeting innocent Kashmiris, prompted public figures like Javed Akhtar to speak out against the growing hostility.
Javed Akhtar Calls Out Misguided Hatred
In his address during the FICCI event, Akhtar expressed his disappointment and concern over the reaction of certain groups who chose to harass Kashmiris in retaliation for the attack. He emphasized that such actions are not only unjust but also strategically damaging for India.
"To those who harass Kashmiris in places like Mussoorie or any other part of India, you are only validating and confirming Pakistan’s propaganda," Akhtar said. He went on to assert that 99 percent of Kashmiris are loyal to India, and by alienating or targeting them, we are playing into the hands of those who seek to divide us.
His comments were met with applause and have since gone viral on social media, with many lauding his courage in addressing a sensitive and emotionally charged issue with clarity and conviction.
On Indo-Pak Relations: A History of Unreciprocated Peace
Javed Akhtar also delved into the broader context of Indo-Pak relations, reflecting on India’s repeated efforts to establish peace with its neighbor despite continued provocations. “Every government in this country, whether it’s the Congress or the BJP, has tried to establish peace,” he noted. “Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji went to Pakistan. But what did they do? They washed the place he visited. Is that what they call friendship?”
He further recalled how Pakistan refused to accept the dead bodies of their own soldiers after the Kargil War—a gesture he described as inhumane and devoid of dignity. These actions, Akhtar argued, make it extremely difficult for India to engage in meaningful dialogue with Pakistan, especially when such gestures of goodwill are met with hostility or denial.
Online Reaction and Akhtar’s Continued Stand
Javed Akhtar, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, also addressed the terror attack through his social media handle on X (formerly Twitter). In a post shared on Wednesday, he wrote, "Come what may, whatever the cost, whatever the repercussions, the terrorists of Pahalgam cannot be allowed to get away. These mass murderers have to pay with their lives for their inhuman deeds."
This tweet drew strong reactions from across the political and cultural spectrum. Many supported his stance on justice for the victims while appreciating his simultaneous call for compassion toward innocent Kashmiris. Critics, however, argued that his comments risked undermining the nationalistic sentiment that has surged post-attack. Akhtar, known for his nuanced perspectives, has maintained that patriotism must be accompanied by humanity and justice—not blind retaliation.
The Fallout: Innocent Lives Disrupted
Unfortunately, the backlash against Kashmiris following the Pahalgam attack has caused real harm. In Mussoorie, Dehradun, and even parts of Uttar Pradesh, reports have surfaced of Kashmiris being threatened or assaulted, their stalls vandalized, and their livelihoods destroyed. Many were forced to abandon their shops and flee to their home state in fear. Social workers and local authorities in some regions have stepped in to restore peace, but the damage to communal trust and social fabric remains a pressing concern.
Civil society groups and human rights organizations have condemned these attacks, stating that the focus must remain on apprehending the real perpetrators of terror—not persecuting innocents based on ethnicity or origin. Javed Akhtar’s statements have helped draw attention to this issue, reminding the public that unity is India’s greatest strength in the face of terror.
Kashmiris React: Grateful but Fearful
Several Kashmiri vendors and students have expressed gratitude for voices like Javed Akhtar’s who have stood up for them during this time. Speaking anonymously, a shawl seller who fled from Mussoorie said, “We are Indians too. We lost loved ones in the Pahalgam attack. We want justice too. But now we are being punished for something we had no part in. We are grateful to those who are speaking for us.”
Their sentiment reflects the emotional trauma many Kashmiris are undergoing—not just from the terror attack but from the unwarranted suspicion and hostility they face in its aftermath.
A Call for Unity
Javed Akhtar’s message is clear: India must not lose its moral compass while fighting terror. In times of crisis, it becomes even more important to uphold the values of justice, unity, and inclusion. Discriminating against or attacking innocent Kashmiris only weakens the nation internally and plays into the hands of those who wish to see India divided.
Akhtar has long been a vocal critic of extremism—whether religious, political, or social—and this instance was no different. By calling out both cross-border terrorism and domestic bigotry, he has once again emphasized the importance of balanced, ethical responses in the face of provocation.
As the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack continues, security forces remain on high alert, and the public demands swift action. At the same time, influential voices like Javed Akhtar’s serve as important reminders that the battle against terrorism must not become a battle against our own citizens.