Dozens of residents gathered at Hastings Park Park on Tuesday evening for a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a tourist destination in Kashmir. At least 26 people were killed in the April 22 attack, which targeted Hindu tourists.

The event was organized by Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL) and attended by a diverse group of community members, including local officials and residents from neighboring towns.

Credit: Anil Ahuja

Speakers included Vineeta Kumar of the Select Board, School Committee member Larry Freeman, Human Rights Committee member Christina Lin, resident Syed Ali Rizvi, and Dr. Anupam Wali, who spoke about his experience as a member of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Credit: Anil Ahuja

“This vigil is not only an act of mourning, but also a quiet act of resistance — resistance to hatred, to violence, and to apathy,” said IAL’s Mona Roy. “By being here, we show that we care, and that we will not look away.”

The vigil included a moment of silence and several musical performances. Organizers said a follow-up community discussion and resource session will be held Saturday, May 10, at the Lexington Community Center, in partnership with the Town’s Human Services Department.

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