Kashmir, often portrayed as a picturesque tourist destination, remains a region fraught with strife and alienation, highlighted by a recent terrorist attack that killed 26 people, primarily Hindu tourists, exacerbating tensions between its Muslim-majority population and the Indian government. The Indian government's response, including widespread detentions and home demolitions, is seen as collective punishment, further deepening resentment and fear among Kashmiris. The attack has intensified Islamophobia in India, with Hindu nationalists using it to vilify Muslims, creating panic among Kashmiri students and residents. The region has been under heavy militarization since the Indian government's revocation of its semi-autonomy in 2019, leading to a police state atmosphere and frequent human rights violations. These developments, coupled with the government's aggressive stance, have eroded trust, potentially paving the way for renewed militancy despite previous declines in separatist sentiments.

Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, is one of the world's most militarized zones, experiencing a long history of conflict and recently heightened tensions due to a terrorist attack that killed 26 people, mainly Hindu tourists, near Pahalgam.

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has increased its control over Kashmir since 2019, promoting it as a safe and booming tourist location, while local residents face severe restrictions on democratic rights and heavy surveillance.

In response to the attack, Indian authorities have detained thousands of Kashmiris and demolished homes, actions perceived by many as collective punishment, amplifying the existing sense of alienation and distrust among the local population.

The Indian government's handling of the situation, including potential military retaliation against Pakistan, has fueled fears of an escalation in violence, particularly as right-wing Hindu nationalists use the attack to further demonize Muslims, intensifying Islamophobic sentiments.

Despite the Indian government's claims of restoring normalcy, Kashmiris report ongoing oppression and human rights abuses, with excessive military presence leading to deaths and disappearances, contributing to a sense of living under a police state.

The Modi government's policy changes, such as revoking Kashmir's autonomy and altering land laws, have sparked resentment and suspicion among locals, who view these actions as attempts to alter the region's demographic composition.

The recent attack has brought attention to the underlying issues in Kashmir, where the local populace, often portrayed as mere backdrops in the region's tourism narrative, demonstrated their resilience and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.