For a few years now, I've stopped commenting on Kashmir for various reasons. One, there's nothing left to say that hasn't been said already. Second, after the removal of Article 370 and the release of The Kashmir Files, so-called nationalist Hindus have become subject matter experts themselves, so they don't tolerate any opinion that would dampen their high spirits and optimism regarding the valley. Three, as a Kashmiri Pandit, I find it absurd to lecture others when people from my own community behave as if all is hunky dory in Kashmir, go there like clueless tourists and convey the impression that our exodus was due to a big misunderstanding with our same dna brothers created by Pakistan.At any rate, it is fascinating how Kashmir figures in popular Hindu imagination, drawing in equal measure from bollywood fantasies and media propaganda. But why Kashmiri Pandits themselves fall for the propaganda despite having a first-hand living experience is a lesson to be learnt (as an aside, it reaffirms why anubhava is not the supreme pramāna in classical Hindu thought). The Kashmir conflict is a complex geopolitical conundrum that can be accurately summed up in a short and crisp paragraph. Kashmir is a civilisational conflict (sorry for the ad nauseum repetition) and what we see happening today is the fructification of centuries of socio-political and religious churn. However, we interpret events to suit our biases and limited attention spans, which force us to conjure up make-believe explanations that grant us the illusion of agency. The truth is we have none, for the Indian State is not an ally of Hindus and Hinduism, regardless of which party is in power.Watching the pictures and videos of the hapless Hindu victims in Pahalgam, I feel compelled to write, if only to lessen the burden of pain. But I write this with the hope that it will reach one, two or a thousand people who will read and reflect on my sincere piece of advice and hopefully follow it. Do not listen to cricket stars, bollywood celebrities, social media influencers, journalists, litfest evangelists, travel agents and most of all, politicians, who entice and tempt you to fill the gaping hole of boredom in your life with the chance to make beautiful memories. Remember that the money you spend there will find its way to fund another Pahalgam someday. There will be blood on your hands and the stain will stay forever, whether you acknowledge it or not.