In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 lives on April 22, US-based author of ‘Kashmir: The Bermuda Triangle of India’, Sharad Mohan said institutional failures must not be overlooked in understanding this tragedy.
"Central Intelligence agencies, tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir, and local police must all be held accountable within this interconnected system. They have failed to implement mechanisms to monitor unregistered mule operators around tourists," he told The Pioneer, highlighting security lapses in the region.
Mohan, who spent his formative years in Jharkhand and attended De Nobili School at Digwadih in the state’s Dhanbad district, is currently in Patna. He described the massacre as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of terrorism on society. "The attack was not a random violence, but a calculated act of hatred, designed to instill fear among people and deepen communal divides," he said.
Citing eyewitness accounts, he characterised the murder of 26 people at point-blank range—after forcing them to confirm their religion—as "moments of unimaginable horror."
Mohan pointed directly to Pakistan's military establishment as the orchestrators behind the violence. "It's purely between the Indian state versus the Pakistan army. No other players are involved, not even the executing terror outfits...Plain and Simple," he said. "Know your enemy, stop beating around the bush. Go hunt them down,” he said, days after US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced American support for India's efforts to hunt down the perpetrators.
Discussing his book, Mohan said ‘Kashmir: The Bermuda Triangle of India’ delved into the intricate tapestry of the Union Territory’s history, culture, and ongoing conflict. Drawing a parallel between Kashmir and the enigmatic Bermuda Triangle, he described the region as a place where clarity was often obscured by layers of political, religious, and social complexities.
“The book is a comprehensive exploration of the Kashmir conflict, intertwining historical analysis, personal experiences, and strategic insights to provide a multifaceted understanding of this complex region,” he added.
