‘No to terror, yes to peace’: Celebrities condemn IIOJK bloodshed

Celebrities are expressing sorrow and solidarity after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam, a scenic town in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK), killing at least 26 civilians in the tourist hotspot.

The attack was the deadliest for a quarter of a century and marked a dramatic shift with the targeting of civilians instead of Indian security forces.

As usual, India blamed Pakistan for the attack and announced that suspend the Indus Water Treaty, which shares critical water between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, although it has no major means of restricting the river´s flow downstream to Pakistan.

Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines and rejected New Delhi’s suspension of a critical water sharing treaty on Thursday in retaliation for India’s response to the militant attack on tourists in Indian Kashmir.

Pahalgam, known for its natural beauty, draws thousands of visitors each summer. Violence had eased in the area in recent years, making the attack even more shocking.

Hania Aamir, who is co-starring with Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh in an upcoming movie, condemned the attack and expressed her profound grief over the loss of innocent lives in an Instagram post.

She said, “Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us. My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief and in hope — we are one.”

The actor went on to say that when innocent lives were lost, the pain was shared by everyone. “No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always.”

Fawad Khan deplored the attack in the strongest of words, saying his thoughts and prayers were with the victims.

The attack comes as a blow to his much-awaited Bollywood comeback, as some Indian film bodies are now opposing the release of Abir Gulaal, his upcoming film with Vaani Kapoor.

In a social media post, he said: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.”

Reacting to the attack, Bollywood star Dia Mirza said: Our hearts are heavy with grief. The pain we share must fuel our collective resolve—to stand united, to speak louder for peace, and to act against hate in all its forms.

“The perpetrators of this brutal, senseless violence must be held accountable. Justice must prevail. Let us come together—as one humanity—and say, enough. We will not let hate divide us. We will not be silent.”

Priyanka Chopra, in a heartfelt post said: “What happened in Pahalgam is reprehensible. People were there on vacations, honeymoons, celebrating with their families.

So many innocent lives were caught in a storm they never asked for. Targeted, right in front of their loved ones.”

 “Not a tragedy we can move past from,” adding that this heinous attack should shake the conscience of humanity. “This will haunt us for a long time,” Chopra said.

Singer Shae Gill posted, “My heart goes out to the survivors and the departed souls from the Phalagam incident. Praying for their families.”

Wajahat Rauf wrote, “If you kill one innocent person, it is as if you have killed the entire humanity. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and the families of the Pahalgam attack.”

Danish Taimoor said, “Deeply saddened by the news from Pahalgam. My condolences go out to the families affected by the tragedy in Pahalgam. May healing and peace come swiftly.”

Singer Shamoon Ismail said, “truly a horrifying event. May justice prevail.”

In a post, Singer Annural Khalid wrote, “Sick, sick world we live in.”