“I’m Fawzul Kabiir, and today I speak not just as the Spokesperson of the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association of Kashmir (CBMAK), but as a son of this soil.

We, the people from the Kashmir region, are heartbroken and enraged by the gruesome attack on innocent tourists in Baisaran, Pahalgam. I want to start by condemning this cowardly act in the strongest possible terms. This is not just an attack on a group of visitors — it is an attack on our values, on the soul of Kashmir itself.

Kashmir has always been known for its hospitality. We take pride in welcoming people from across the country and beyond, sharing our culture, our food, and our natural beauty. What happened yesterday is not who we are. This barbaric act has shaken every one of us.

In an emergency meeting today, CBMAK decided to observe a complete shutdown of all cricket bat manufacturing units in J&K. We are doing this to show our solidarity with the victims and their families, and to send a clear message — that we will never accept or stay silent in the face of violence.

As someone who has worked for years to build bridges through sport, to take Kashmir’s craft and spirit across the world through cricket bats, this attack feels deeply personal. Our industry thrives only when there is peace. Our workers, our artisans, our families — we all want a Kashmir that is safe, kind, and welcoming.

We request the administration to take swift and firm action against those responsible. Justice must be delivered, and more importantly, such acts must never happen again.

This is a time for all of us to come together — not just to mourn, but to take a stand. For peace. For dignity. For every innocent life lost to mindless violence.”