On September 25, 2025, Geneva became the stage for a poignant and charged discussion on the ongoing human toll of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) hosted an event titled 'Victims of Terror,' jointly organized by the Shivi Development Society and the People's Cultural Centre. The gathering was not just a formal commemoration—it was a call to action, a platform for those directly affected by violence, and a spotlight on the regional and international forces shaping the conflict.
The event drew a diverse crowd: human rights activists, journalists, academicians, and representatives from various NGOs. They were united by a shared mission—to honor victims and survivors of terrorism and to amplify the voices of communities that have borne the brunt of violence for decades. Attendees were urged to step up their efforts, not just in remembrance, but in advocacy and concrete action against terrorism in the region.
Central to the discussion was the role of Pakistan in what speakers described as a sustained and deliberate campaign of cross-border terrorism. Political and social activist Shenaz Ganai, speaking with a sense of urgency and personal conviction, stated, "Jammu and Kashmir have been subjected to terrorism exported from Pakistan for over three decades, with Pakistan as the primary architect of this violence." According to ANI, Ganai was unequivocal in her assessment, asserting that the violence is not homegrown but orchestrated from across the border.
Ganai drew a stark contrast between the two neighboring countries, saying, "There is no conflict between unequals. India is a democracy where institutions function under law, whereas Pakistan is a military state which only sponsors and trains terrorists." Her words underscored a narrative prevalent among many at the event: that the root causes of violence in Jammu and Kashmir are external, and efforts to equate the actions of the Indian state with those of non-state actors are misguided.
The civilian casualties in Jammu and Kashmir—men, women, children, pilgrims, and tourists—are, Ganai stressed, not the result of spontaneous uprisings but the work of internationally recognized terrorist organizations. She named Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and The Resistance Front, all of which are designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations, the United States, and India. "There can be no symmetry between a state defending its people and a state manufacturing and sponsoring terrorism," she concluded, according to The Tribune. This sentiment was echoed by many in the room, who saw no moral equivalence between counterterrorism efforts and the deliberate targeting of civilians.
One of the most affecting testimonies came from Advocate Vishva Ranjan Pandita, representing the Kashmiri Pandit community. He recounted the harrowing history of genocide and forced migration that his community has endured due to targeted violence. "Although the issue of Kashmiri Pandits has been addressed and discussed within the country for a long time, at international forums like the United Nations, I think it has been missing. That is why we are here, to let people and the world know what happened to the Kashmiri Pandits in 1990, and to burst the narratives of Pakistan," Pandita stated, as reported by ANI.
Pandita's appeal was clear and direct: "We want to request the world community to direct Pakistan to stop aiding and abetting terror, to stop the terror activities they are doing in India and in our state of Jammu and Kashmir, and also direct Pakistan to dismantle its terror infrastructure completely." For him and many other attendees, international awareness and intervention are essential to bring about meaningful change and ensure justice for those displaced and traumatized by violence.
Harleen Kaur, an activist from the Sikh community, spoke of the targeted violence faced by her community in Kashmir. She described attacks designed specifically to disrupt peace and social cohesion, attributing them to Pakistan-backed terror groups. Kaur's testimony was not just a recounting of suffering but also a testament to resilience. She highlighted progress in the region, noting improvements in security, infrastructure, women's empowerment, and tourism. According to The Tribune, Kaur credited these advancements to a combination of government initiatives and the enduring spirit of local communities.
"These achievements reflect the collective strength of communities against terrorism," Kaur said, expressing her confidence that attempts to divide Kashmiris along religious or ethnic lines would ultimately fail. She applauded the region's progress, especially in areas like security and tourism, and underscored that these gains were the result of both official efforts and the determination of ordinary people.
The 'Victims of Terror' event was more than a commemoration—it was an urgent reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Jammu and Kashmir. The stories shared by Ganai, Pandita, and Kaur painted a vivid picture of a region caught between external aggression and internal resilience. Their appeals to the international community were not simply for sympathy, but for concrete steps: increased awareness, diplomatic pressure, and a unified stance against the infrastructure of terror.
The event's organizers, the Shivi Development Society and the People's Cultural Centre, made it clear that the fight against terrorism is not solely the responsibility of those directly affected. By gathering activists, experts, and advocates from around the world, they sought to broaden the coalition of those willing to confront the root causes of violence and support the rights of victims. The call to action was unmistakable: intensify efforts, hold perpetrators accountable, and stand with those who have suffered.
While the event focused sharply on Pakistan's role in fomenting unrest, it also acknowledged the complexities of the situation. The need for nuanced international engagement, sensitive to the realities on the ground yet firm in its opposition to terror, was a recurring theme. The testimonies underscored the importance of not just recognizing the suffering of victims but also empowering them to shape the narrative and advocate for their own futures.
As the world watched the proceedings in Geneva, the voices from Jammu and Kashmir resonated far beyond the conference room. Their message was clear: the human cost of terrorism is too high to ignore, and the international community must play a decisive role in bringing about peace, justice, and lasting security for all affected communities.
For those who attended, the event was a stark reminder of the enduring pain of loss—but also a testament to the unbreakable will to resist, rebuild, and reclaim a future free from fear.
