THE PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK: IS TERRORISM RETURNING TO KASHMIR?
By: Jay Singh Rawat
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in the Beta-Saran Valley of Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, shattered the fragile peace of the region. At least 28 innocent tourists lost their lives, including two foreign nationals, with dozens injured. This is considered the most severe attack targeting tourists in Kashmir’s history.
Terrorists are enemies of Kashmiris
This attack was not just on tourists, it was an assault on the livelihoods of Kashmiri youth who depend on the tourism sector to make ends meet. The Beta-Saran Valley, known as ‘Mini Switzerland,’ has long been a source of income for local guides, hoteliers, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and artisans. By attacking tourists, the terrorists are not just striking at outsiders, they are attacking the Kashmiris’ livelihoods and their hopes for a peaceful future. The terrorists, in their misguided struggle, are not friends of Kashmiris; they are their greatest enemies. These forces, who claim to be “defenders of Kashmir,” are actually the ones destroying Kashmiris’ means of survival by instilling fear and violence. This attack is not just against outsiders—it is a direct blow to the economic fabric of Kashmir.
Worst Tourist-Centric Terror Attack to Date?
If we compare the previous tourist-targeted terrorist incidents, this attack stands as the most deadly and devastating one. Prior to this, the 2017 Amarnath pilgrimage bus attack, which killed 7 people, was the deadliest, but this attack has claimed 28 lives, making it the most significant. This attack highlights that terrorism has not been eradicated—it has merely taken a different form.
Changing Strategy: Attacks on Soft Targets
Terrorist strategies in Kashmir have shifted. Rather than attacking military posts or police stations, terrorists are now targeting civilians, migrants, Kashmiri Pandits, and tourists. These attacks are a deliberate attempt to break the will of the people by creating fear and distrust among the community.
Government Data and Failures
According to data presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Parliament, 761 terrorist incidents occurred in Jammu and Kashmir between 2018 to 2022, resulting in the deaths of 174 civilians. Despite claims of a decline in terrorism after 2019, incidents involving tourists and civilians continue to rise. This raises the question of whether the government has recognized the evolving nature of terrorism in the region.
The Need to Involve Kashmiris in the Fight
The real question post-attack is whether the government will fight this challenge solely through security forces or will it actively engage the Kashmiri people in this battle? The battle against terrorism cannot be won without the active support and participation of the local population.
The Pahalgam attack is not just an act of terrorism; it is a warning,a call for reassessment of our policies, security strategies, and approaches. Terrorism represents nothing but darkness,against development, brotherhood, and humanity. The terrorists are not friends of Kashmiris,they are their enemies. This fight is not just for Kashmir—it is a fight for the soul of India itself. We must understand this and act accordingly to defeat the forces of terror that seek to destroy the peace and prosperity of Kashmir.