Srinagar, April 29 -- I'm writing with a heavy heart from Jammu, where my plan of revisiting the paradise called Kashmir were shattered. Not by fear, but by circumstances and the weight of sorrow.

It's April 27, 2025, and I'm sharing my story, hoping it reaches those who still believe in the warmth of humanity over the divisive noise of prime-time media.

My family and I had planned a journey to Pahalgam for April 22-24, followed by days in Srinagar until May 3. The excitement of walking through Kashmir's valleys, breathing its crisp air, and soaking in its timeless beauty kept us awake at night. But when we arrived in Jammu on April 21, our plans unraveled.

The all-weather road connecting Jammu to Srinagar was blocked by a massive land...