Srinagar, April 23 -- They came for the calm. For the smell of pine and the shimmer of Lidder's waters. They came as tourists, carrying cameras, snacks, and dreams. They left in ambulances and coffins.

The terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 innocent visitors wasn't just another headline for Kashmir. It was heartbreak. Deep, personal, and soul-crushing.

Because in Kashmir, a guest isn't just a visitor. A mehmaan is a blessing. A guest is someone you protect with your life, not someone whose life you take.

The valley is still in shock. Not just because the attack was so brutal, but because it happened in a place built on hospitality and healing. We're used to grief, but this one feels different. It struck at the very core of who we...