In the deadliest terror attack on civilians in the country since the Mumbai mayhem of 26/11, a picturesque meadow near Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which is the most — loved tourist destination and mini-Switzerland of India, was marred by a heart-wrenching act of perpetrators who brutally cut short innocent lives, leaving the consciousness of the nation stirred and the entire community devastated. This act of terrorism has highlighted once again the need for vigilance and prevention.
heThe ghastly and barbaric attack was not merely aimed at tourists or individuals. It is an assault and atrocity on humanity, which has shattered the subtle fabric of cohesive society. The terrorists selectively killed innocent people point-blank. This heinous example of terrorism was evident only after identifying their Hindu religion.
THE TIMING
The timing of the Pahalgam meadow massacre exposes the nefarious modus operandi of Pakistan, which has been the biggest enemy of normalcy in the Valley. The persistent threat of terrorism continues to disrupt efforts for peace.
The assaults occurred during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jeddah. He was there for diplomatic engagement and bilateral talks. The aim was to boost the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The attack unfolded during US Vice President JD Vance’s ongoing four-day visit to India. His visit marked an important milestone for the diplomatic push to deepen bilateral dialogues.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which mirrors former US President Bill Clinton’s 2000 trip to India when LeT carried out a Sikh massacre in Chittisinghpora in Anantnag district of J&K, could be seen in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s reluctance to entertain Pakistan’s Kashmir clamour.
As India reels from the horror, the Pahalgam massacre underscores the persistent threat of cross-border terror, the fragility of peace in Jammu and Kashmir, and the urgent need for a robust national and global response to prevent further terrorism.
SOME THOUGHTS
The Pahalgam incident took place exactly a week after Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir made the most provocative comments. Pakistan, which is shattered by poverty, extremism, terrorism, and economic decline, is at a crossroads as its military is reported to be facing the fire of internal rebellion. The terror attack in Pahalgam could be seen in the light of the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train by Baloch separatists in March, exposing the bluff and inability of the Pakistan army.
Islamabad’s failure to curb the Baloch insurgency has caused great concern for China. The country has significantly invested in several projects in Pakistan, including energy, transport, and infrastructure. Pakistan’s failure to engage with tribal communities has fuelledfueled the growth of armed separatist groups, targeting security forces, Chinese interests, and migrant workers.
The growing alienation of the population, driven by the denial of democratic and economic rights, has fuelledfueled anger, especially among the youth. Incidents of terrorism further exacerbate these tensions.
The brutal attack on tourists, which rarely happened even during the heydays of militancy in the Valley, vividly shows the frustration and desperation of Pakistan-based terror outfits. This act underlines a return to violent forms of terrorism.
The barbaric attack happened just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, which attracts huge numbers of Hindu tourists and pilgrims. The perpetrators aimed at blunting the sole growing tourist-based economy of J&K and tried to dismantle the perception that the Valley is steadily marching towards stabilisationstabilization after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
With peace limping back to the Valley in the face of a slump in terror attacks in the Valley, lakhs of tourists have made a beeline to the Valley. It prompted huge investment in the region to win the hearts of tourists.
As tulips bloom and tourism booms, this year Srinagar has witnessed huge footfalls of domestic and international tourists. The growing tourism endorses the success saga of the Government and the engagement of locals and Kashmiri youths for harvesting income, heralding normalcy in the Valley.
The Pahalgam attack is the biggest since the Pulwama attack of 2019 in terms of casualties. India’s past retaliatory actions are still echoing. The Uri surgical strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrikes (2019) have formed the foundation of India’s punitive responses. In its full-scale diplomatic retaliation, the PM Modi Government took a strong stand. It kept the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance. The Attari Integrated Check Post was shut. The SAARC Visa Scheme for Pakistanis was stopped. It cut the High Commission strength to 30. The Government declared military advisors in the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi persona non-grata.
A swift and strategic response will not only deter future attacks but also reinforce India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and restoring peace in the Valley. This comprehensive approach must address terrorism directly.
By addressing the root causes of unrest and strengthening security measures, India can ensure that such heinous acts of terrorism do not derail the progress towards stability and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir.
(Dr Naresh Purohit is fellow- Defence Institute Of Psychological Research, Delhi. The view expressed are that of the author)
