Kashmir Attack Sparks #KashmirPeace Buzz: Who’s Hot?

The digital world is buzzing, and it’s not just about the latest dance trend or viral pet video. A tragic attack in Kashmir on April 22, 2025, where 26 tourists were killed in Pahalgam, has set social media ablaze with calls for peace. The hashtag #KashmirPeace is trending as online activists, influencers, and everyday voices from India and Pakistan push back against rising tensions. Who’s leading this charge? Let’s dive into the social stars making waves, backed by verified stats and posts, as they amplify peace in a region caught in conflict.

The Kashmir Attack: What Went Down?

On April 22, 2025, gunmen attacked tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 25 Indian tourists and one local. The attack, claimed by a group called Kashmir Resistance (also known as The Resistance Front), was the deadliest on civilians in the region in over two decades. India pointed fingers at Pakistan, alleging support for the militants, while Pakistan denied involvement, calling for an independent probe. Tensions spiked with diplomatic fallout—India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, and Pakistan hit back by closing airspace and trade. Social media exploded with reactions, and #KashmirPeace became a rallying cry for those urging calm over conflict.

Meet the Digital Peacemakers

The #KashmirPeace movement isn’t just hashtags—it’s driven by influencers and activists with massive clout. These stars are using their platforms to call for unity, and their follower counts and engagement stats prove they’re resonating.

Omar Abdullah: The Political Voice with Digital Swagger

Who’s This? Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, isn’t just a politician—he’s a social media heavyweight. With over 3.2 million followers on X (@OmarAbdullah), his posts cut through the noise. After the attack, he condemned the violence and questioned ceasefire violations, posting, “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!” on May 10, 2025, racking up 45K likes and 12K retweets. His candid style and focus on peace have made him a go-to voice for Kashmiris and beyond.

Why He’s Hot: Abdullah’s posts blend authority with relatability, sparking conversations about de-escalation. His verified X account is a hub for real-time updates, and his 1.8 million Instagram followers (@abdullah_omar) amplify his peace messages through reels, like one from April 23 showing him at a victim’s funeral, viewed 500K times.

Mehbooba Mufti: Fierce and Fearless

Who’s This? Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) is another political star with 1.1 million X followers. Her posts after the attack, like one on April 24 saying, “I want to say to the people of the country that we are ashamed, Kashmir is ashamed,” hit hard, earning 30K likes. She’s been vocal about distinguishing terrorists from civilians, pushing back against home demolitions in Kashmir.

Why She’s Hot: Mufti’s raw emotion and bold stance against “bulldozer justice” resonate with younger audiences. Her Instagram (@mehboobamufti) has 600K followers, and her stories featuring candlelit vigils for peace in Srinagar got 200K views, proving her pull.

Asad Toor: Pakistan’s Voice of Truth

Who’s This? Pakistani journalist Asad Toor (@AsadAToor) is a verified X account with 250K followers, known for breaking news. On May 13, 2025, he posted about U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks, claiming Pakistan pushed for Kashmir discussions, earning 15K retweets and 40K likes. His scoop, citing U.S. expert Prof. Watandost, went viral, fueling #KashmirPeace.

Why He’s Hot: Toor’s posts are a magnet for Pakistan’s youth, who see him as a credible voice. His YouTube channel (@AsadToorOfficial) has 100K subscribers, and a video analyzing the ceasefire got 300K views in a week, cementing his role in the peace narrative.

Haleema Saadia: The Activist Rising Star

Who’s This? Haleema Saadia (@Haleema_Saadia), a Pakistani activist with 150K X followers, is gaining traction for her #KashmirPeace posts. Her May 18 thread calling for dialogue over war, liked by 20K users, sparked replies from Indian and Pakistani users alike. She’s also active on TikTok (@haleemasaadia), where her 80K followers watched her peace-focused video 1.2 million times.

Why She’s Hot: Saadia’s cross-platform presence and heartfelt content make her a standout. Her Instagram (@haleemasaadia) reels, showing Kashmir’s beauty with captions like “Let’s choose peace,” have 50K likes, connecting with Gen Z.

The #KashmirPeace Trend: How It’s Spreading

The hashtag #KashmirPeace has exploded, with over 500K posts on X and 300K on Instagram by May 25, 2025. It’s not just influencers—regular users are joining in. A viral X post by @Kianishtiaq on May 18, urging talks to resolve the Kashmir dispute, got 10K retweets, showing grassroots support. TikTok’s #KashmirPeace videos, like one by @kashmirvoices with 2 million views, feature locals sharing stories of loss and hope, driving emotional engagement.

What’s Fueling It? The attack’s aftermath—diplomatic spats, border clashes, and fears of war—has pushed users to demand peace. Verified accounts like @Reuters and @BBCWorld have amplified the hashtag, with Reuters’ April 24 post about India’s treaty suspension getting 25K shares. Instagram lives hosted by activists, like one by @peaceforkashmir with 100K views, keep the momentum going.

Social Impact: Numbers That Matter

The #KashmirPeace movement is more than a trend—it’s reshaping narratives. Here’s the breakdown:

• Omar Abdullah’s Reach: His X posts from April 22 to May 25 reached 10 million impressions, with 1.5 million engagements (likes, retweets, replies). His Instagram reels added 2 million views, per Sprout Social analytics.
• Mehbooba Mufti’s Clout: Her X posts garnered 5 million impressions, with 800K engagements. Her Instagram stories hit 1 million views, according to HypeAuditor.
• Asad Toor’s Influence: His viral X post on May 13 alone reached 3 million users, with 100K engagements. His YouTube video added 500K views, per Social Blade.
• Haleema Saadia’s Rise: Her TikTok video hit 1.2 million views, with 200K likes. Her X thread got 500K impressions, showing her growing sway, per TweetDeck.

These stats, pulled from verified platforms, show how these stars are driving the peace narrative. Their posts have sparked cross-border conversations, with users from both nations sharing #KashmirPeace content, countering hate with hope.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

The Kashmir attack didn’t just spark protests—it exposed deep divides. India’s media has leaned hawkish, with outlets like Times Now pushing anti-Pakistan narratives, while Pakistan’s media, like Dawn, focuses on civilian impacts. Social stars are cutting through this noise, urging dialogue over drones. The ceasefire on May 10, mediated by the U.S., was a win, but violations reported by Abdullah and others keep tensions high. These influencers are keeping #KashmirPeace alive, reminding followers that war isn’t the answer.

Challenges Ahead: Anti-Muslim sentiment in India, fueled by right-wing groups, and Pakistan’s media crackdowns are hurdles. Yet, voices like Mufti and Saadia are pushing back, using their platforms to call out hate and advocate for calm. Their digital clout is turning clicks into change.

Who’s Next in the #KashmirPeace Wave?

Keep an eye on rising stars like @KashmirYouth, a collective with 50K X followers, whose threads on local perspectives are gaining 100K impressions weekly. On TikTok, @peacefulkashmir’s poetry videos, with 500K views, are blending art with activism. These accounts are verified and growing, ready to carry the torch.

The #KashmirPeace movement shows social media’s power to unite, even in conflict. From Abdullah’s raw updates to Saadia’s viral reels, these stars are proving that peace can trend louder than war. Stay sharp with Ongoing Now 24.