"Kashmir Bleeds Again"—Sidhant Gupta Urges Unity, Courage In Face Of Terror

Actor and Kashmiri native Sidhant Gupta marked his birthday with a heavy heart this year as news broke of a devastating militant attack in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The tragic incident, which occurred on the evening of April 22, claimed at least 28 lives and injured over 20, sending shockwaves through the nation and deeply affecting the region's native sons like Sidhant.

Taking to Instagram Stories late last night, Sidhant posted an emotional note, acknowledging the wishes he received but expressing that it was far from a "happy birthday."

"Thank you all for the wishes. But it's not a very happy birthday," he wrote.
"There's been yet another attack in my native state. The entire country embraced the valley with tourism at its peak and we experience yet another attack. It's a cowardly act to use weapons against civilians and feel empowered in the name of religion-proving to be the untamed animals marking a territory."

"This incident sets us back," Sidhant added, making a powerful plea.

"As people of this country, we are in a fight against fear. Amidst investigations, I trust our chosen government to do everything necessary and not let fear take away the freedom to breathe free in that divine land of Jammu and Kashmir."