The entire country is grappling with sorrow and disbelief after a horrifying act of violence shattered the serenity of Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Kashmir. On April 22, 2025, a group of unidentified assailants opened fire on unsuspecting vacationers, instantly transforming a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of bloodshed and tragedy. According to initial reports, 26 people were killed and more than 20 suffered injuries in what is now being recognized as one of the most horrifying assaults in the valley in recent times.
Salim Merchant’s Emotional Response
Famed musician and singer Salim Merchant expressed his grief and outrage through an emotional video shared on Instagram. With visible distress and sincerity, he denounced the violence and emphasized that such barbarity contradicts every principle of faith. “Those innocent souls in Pahalgam were attacked simply because they were Hindus. But let’s be clear—these perpetrators are not followers of any true faith. They are extremists,” Salim declared.
He went on to recite a verse from the Quran—Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256: “Let there be no compulsion in religion.”
He added passionately, “There is no compulsion in religion.” He added, “Islam doesn’t teach violence. This is not who we are.”
Salim’s words were soaked in heartbreak and dismay as he continued, ““As a Muslim, I feel ashamed and heartbroken watching my Hindu brothers and sisters being brutally murdered simply for their identity. When will this hatred end? Kashmir had finally begun to heal, and now this. I don’t even know how to put my grief and anger into words.”
He concluded his post with a prayer, “May God give strength to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for peace in their hearts. Om Shanti.”
That same morning, Salim had also shared a brief yet moving message: “There are no words that can ease such deep sorrow, no verdict swift enough to undo this nightmare. We weep for those lost and ache for those left behind.”
Munawar Faruqui’s Stand in Solidarity
Stand-up comedian and actor Munawar Faruqui also voiced his support by reposting Salim’s video on his Instagram story, adding a single yet powerful word: “Facts!”—a quiet but compelling endorsement of Salim’s message.
Munawar also penned his own somber reflection: “God doesn’t forgive those who shatter hearts—forget spilling innocent blood. Justice will be left trailing as politics surges ahead once more. Grief on this soil has sadly become routine.”
Salim Merchant’s Emotional Response
Famed musician and singer Salim Merchant expressed his grief and outrage through an emotional video shared on Instagram. With visible distress and sincerity, he denounced the violence and emphasized that such barbarity contradicts every principle of faith. “Those innocent souls in Pahalgam were attacked simply because they were Hindus. But let’s be clear—these perpetrators are not followers of any true faith. They are extremists,” Salim declared.
He went on to recite a verse from the Quran—Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256: “Let there be no compulsion in religion.”
He added passionately, “There is no compulsion in religion.” He added, “Islam doesn’t teach violence. This is not who we are.”
Salim’s words were soaked in heartbreak and dismay as he continued, ““As a Muslim, I feel ashamed and heartbroken watching my Hindu brothers and sisters being brutally murdered simply for their identity. When will this hatred end? Kashmir had finally begun to heal, and now this. I don’t even know how to put my grief and anger into words.”
He concluded his post with a prayer, “May God give strength to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for peace in their hearts. Om Shanti.”
That same morning, Salim had also shared a brief yet moving message: “There are no words that can ease such deep sorrow, no verdict swift enough to undo this nightmare. We weep for those lost and ache for those left behind.”
Munawar Faruqui’s Stand in Solidarity
Stand-up comedian and actor Munawar Faruqui also voiced his support by reposting Salim’s video on his Instagram story, adding a single yet powerful word: “Facts!”—a quiet but compelling endorsement of Salim’s message.
Munawar also penned his own somber reflection: “God doesn’t forgive those who shatter hearts—forget spilling innocent blood. Justice will be left trailing as politics surges ahead once more. Grief on this soil has sadly become routine.”
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