Kashmir After Pahalgam: A Reading List (April–May 2025)
On April 22nd, a horrifying attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians. The attackers deliberately killed Hindus, who made up the majority of the victims. At Hindus for Human Rights, we condemn this attack unequivocally and mourn this targeted attack of our fellow Hindus. Naming the religious identity of the victims is not only appropriate—it is essential.
But we cannot talk about Pahalgam without also describing the human rights crisis Kashmir has experienced over the past decades. Since 1990, the Indian Army has committed human rights atrocities with impunity, under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Kashmiris lost their constitutional autonomous status in 2019 with the revocation of Article 370. In the days after Pahalgam, a familiar playbook of repression, mass arrests, and even extrajudicial killings emerged.
What follows is a reading list of the key developments, reports, and human rights concerns from the days following the attack. It is designed to help readers stay informed, grounded, and committed to justice for all Kashmiris.
The Pahalgam Attack
BBC – Coverage of the attack on civilians in Pahalgam
CNN – Claim of responsibility by The Resistance Front
Human Rights in Kashmir
Amnesty International – Impact of Article 370 abrogation
Caravan – Political repression and loss of autonomy
Foreign Policy – Arrests under security laws
Human Rights Watch – AFSPA and impunity
Voice of America – Internet blackouts in Kashmir
Security Crackdowns and Arrests
Kashmir Reader – Mass detentions after the attack
Outlook India – Home demolitions and civilian damage
Maktoob Media – Mehbooba Mufti’s statement on collective punishment
The Tribune – NIA raids and investigations
Escalation Between India and Pakistan
Al Jazeera – Simla Agreement and diplomatic fallout
Reuters – Casualty reports and ceasefire
CNN – Military strikes and diplomacy
The Guardian – U.S. stance on Indian retaliation
Hate Speech and Attacks on Kashmiris
Indian Express – Threats against Kashmiri Muslims
The Hindu – Assaults on Kashmiri students
Maktoob Media – Online hate campaigns
International and Multilateral Responses
UN Security Council – Condemnation of the attack
U.S. State Department – Call for de-escalation
Hindustan Times – China and UK statements
TASS – Russian message of condolence
Civilian Life and the Ceasefire
Al Jazeera – Border village displacement
Maktoob Media – Public mood in Srinagar
The Hindu – Dangers of returning home
CNN – Ceasefire and diplomacy timeline