Memorial For Pahalgam Victims: J&K Administration To Build ‘Symbol Of Resilience' In 6 Months

News18

5 hours ago

A spot close to the Pahalgam ambush site has been identified, and the structure's design is being envisioned as one that captures solemnity & strength
To honour those who lost their lives and to reassure tourists, the Jammu & Kashmir administration, in consultation with the Centre, has finalised plans to construct a memorial near the site of the Pahalgam terror attack.
A group of five armed militants linked to Pakistan's Lashkar e Taiba opened fire on tourists, killing 26 civilians. Attackers reportedly asked victims their religious identity, demanding recitation of the Islamic kalima to distinguish non Muslims. The ambush was carried out in Kashmir's tourism belt — an area that has otherwise witnessed a surge in footfall post-Article 370 abrogation.
The planned memorial, officials say, will be constructed within six months and will serve not just as a tribute, but also as a national symbol of resilience.
The last time I was in Pahalgam I cycled through a market that was all but deserted. Today I came back to a Pahalgam that was bustling with activity. Tourists from various parts of the country competed for space with local picnickers who were enjoying the cool climate & rainy… pic.twitter.com/Mm9puLMOEG — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 22, 2025
A spot close to the ambush site has already been identified, and the structure's design — currently under finalisation — is being envisioned as one that captures both solemnity and strength.
The incident triggered a swift response from security forces under Operation Sindoor, a coordinated anti-terror mission launched by India against Pakistan from May 7-11. The name 'Sindoor' was chosen symbolically, as many victims were newlyweds or families on pilgrimage.
The precision military operation involved the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. Nine terror installations tied to Lashkar e Taiba, Jaish e Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen—four in Pakistan, five in Pakistan occupied Kashmir — were attacked.
Officials say the memorial will ensure that the memories of those innocent tourists, including women and children, are never forgotten, and that their loss stands as a reminder of the high cost of peace. The structure will be a place of reflection, not just for the families of the victims, but also for visitors and locals alike. It will also mark the spot where terror attempted to shake the spirit of Kashmir — but failed.
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First Published:
June 25, 2025, 19:16 IST