Terrorists slaughter 28 tourists — a tragic reminder that terror still haunts the Valley
In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, 28 tourists were massacred on Tuesday in the tranquil Baisaran meadow near the popular hill resort of Pahalgam. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy terror outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility. This attack has not only shocked the nation but also reopened deep-seated concerns about the fragile security scenario in Kashmir.
The tourists, who included honeymooners, families, and two foreign nationals—from Nepal and the UAE— were gunned down in a sudden gunfire. Despite existing security measures, including checkpoints and patrols, the attackers managed to infiltrate and execute their mission with clinical precision, raising serious questions about intelligence and on-ground preparedness.
This incident is not an isolated act of violence but appears deeply orchestrated. It coincided with two significant geopolitical events:The visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it followed a combative speech by Pakistani Army chief General Asim Munir, intensifying suspicions that the attack was calibrated to internationalise the Kashmir issue and portray the region as a nuclear flashpoint. The synchronicity is disturbingly reminiscent of the Chittisinghpora massacre in 2000, where 36 Sikhs were murdered days before US President Bill Clinton’s visit.
By targeting tourists — symbols of normalcy and economic recovery—the terrorists aimed to derail the narrative of a stable Kashmir and provoke communal unrest across India. Since Article 370 was revoked, the Indian government has maintained a tight security apparatus in Kashmir, focusing on counter-insurgency and infrastructure development to boost tourism. While there has been a marked decline in local recruitment into terrorist groups, proxies like TRF have stepped up infiltration, especially using foreign fighters and sleeper cells.
The attack also underscores significant lapses. Despite heavy surveillance, there was no forewarning of this operation. The use of Army uniforms by terrorists highlights a dangerous tactic to bypass trust and checkpoints. Tourists, previously considered off-limits, are now being directly targeted, expanding the threat matrix. But the question is why now? Indeed it has to do with the arrival of US Vice President JD Vance. Pakistan may be attempting to paint Kashmir as unstable and urge foreign intervention.
Tourism in Kashmir has seen a resurgence post-370, contributing significantly to the local economy. Attacking tourists directly threatens this recovery. The brutal nature of the attack — execution-style killings — aims to spread fear and signal the reach and intent of the perpetrators.
India now faces the dual challenge of responding decisively to terror while safeguarding the fragile gains in Kashmir. It is time to enhanced human intelligence and local collaboration to detect sleeper cells. Deployment of smart surveillance technologies in vulnerable areas is a must and should be taken on priority. In the wake of this unspeakable tragedy, India faces a critical inflection point — one that demands not just a military or tactical response, but a comprehensive strategic recalibration.
First and foremost, a robust diplomatic offensive is essential. India must intensify international pressure on nations that provide safe haven or support to terror outfits, directly or indirectly. This includes leveraging global forums such as the United Nations, and bilateral partnerships to isolate state and non-state actors that are responsible for terrorism. Silence and inaction on terror can no longer be diplomatically acceptable — strategic complacency must be met with unwavering clarity and consequence.
Second, the long-term antidote to terrorism lies not only in security but in stability. Continued economic development and civic engagement in Jammu and Kashmir are key to undermining extremist narratives. Investment in education, job creation, tourism infrastructure, and inclusive governance empowers local communities, weakens recruitment for terror networks, and fosters a sense of belonging among youth. A region that thrives economically is harder to radicalise.Most critically, it is time to revisit and reinforce the security architecture surrounding tourism. Tourists — once regarded as ambassadors of peace and economic revival — have now become targets. This demands a thorough overhaul of safety protocols, especially in remote and high-traffic areas like Pahalgam. The aim is not to deter tourism, but to restore confidence. Kashmir must not once again become a hostage to fear.
