Any analysis of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam should begin with a deeper condemnation and the most brutal manifestation of sorry for the loss of innocent life. It should also include a determination to avenge this atrocities against the criminals of Pakistan, who are unable to take their own nation forward, trying to pull others down.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025 symbolizes a significant growth in Pakistan-posed terrorism in Kashmir. Focus innings from the south of Pir Panjal (Rajouri-Poonch) to the Valley innings suggests re-recurring by Pakistan’s ISI and its affiliated terrorist organizations. The attack occurred in Jammu and Kashmir amidst potentially high tourist season, G20 heritage, and recent political outreach efforts – all of which threatened Pakistan’s relevance in the developed Kashmir story. Therefore, the strategic symbolism of the event is immense.
Pakistan’s potential strategic intention was to rule terrorism and revive the separatist spirit that has been rapidly decreasing in the valley, which disrupted socio-economic generalization and democratic engagement that the Indian government is successfully promoting. The revaluation of Pakistan’s relevance in the Kashmir discourse amidst India’s diplomatic advantage in the global South was perhaps a major driver of the move. Another objective was to destabilize India’s progressive and blind successful peace-making efforts, especially after the successful assembly elections in J&K.
There is enough reason to believe that Pakistan’s growing internal dissatisfaction – including Baloch unrest, TTP attacks and economic crises – also inspired the regime to control domestic narratives through external aggression. However, the most heinous aspect of the attack was the deliberate goal of Hindu male tourists, an attempt to an attempt to ignite the communal spirit within India. It is undisputed that the instructions of this effect were probably likely to follow the terrorists.
Many people have asked me whether there was any relationship or equality between this attack and an attack on a peaceful meeting near the Gaza-Israel border on 7 October 2023 Hamas, in which 1,200 innocent people died and 250 took hostage, thus triggered the ongoing Gaza struggle. I am not confident that there was an international joint intention here, although the Pahalgam attack displayed many similarities. The journey of Hamas elements of Pakistan was previously reported. In my recent writing and talks, I often concluded that there was a strong possibility of a copy of this nature that is on the LoC or international border in our favor. The rapid improvement in Kashmir and the growing footprint of tourism should have been served as a warning. The strategic effect of such an event, especially with the intentional use of religious profileing, has hit the social psyche of India deeply.
From India’s strategic security point of view, there is an immediate need to restore public confidence and ensure that such attacks have no repetition, especially in high-foot areas. Strategic objectives will be to maintain and strengthen control over the story of stability and development in Kashmir.
Focus of our diplomats
Our diplomacy should ensure that Pakistan’s claims do not get any international traction, have complete flexibility, and prepare for a calibrated reaction or vengeance, take full care of its future implications.
There are many strategic options available for India. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) mainly called and issued five instructions at the diplomatic domain. The decision to suspend or suspend the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 is a bold, even we are waiting for technical effects.
This is important to clarify: India has not canceled the treaty, but has suspended it, Pakistan’s attitude towards Indian demands is pending. The three western rivers of the Indus system are for special use of the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab – Pakistan. However, speculation remains about how Pakistan will really be affected and to what extent India can regulate water. As a state of water scarcity, Pakistan will always be on the edge about India’s ability to control water flow.
The CCS approach is not softened, as some may debate on the absence of immediate military action. This should be clear for Indian citizens and analysts that they are demanding knee reactions that the government has chosen a mature course. Waiting for the moment of opportunity, taking action in Abhay maintains the opponent in a state of uncertainty.
When it began the Pahalgam attack, the deep state of Pakistan estimated the Indian response. Reserved structures were quickly taken to deployment areas. In the nation economically constrained, maintaining such structures on high readiness is a important challenge. Our response does not need to be limited to a narrow time window. This – and must be executed when complete success is guaranteed.
The valley requires renewed vigilance
In the interim, we should maintain a strong and alert currency in Jammu and Kashmir to deny any further in -in -in -in -in -in -in -of -Pakistan inhibit, especially with limited terrorists working there.
During this period, increased contingent attendance in the valley and active counter-terraler operations should continue with more coordination under the integrated command system. Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Military Intelligence and a tight coordination between local J&K police units are necessary and there is no option for this.
For terrorism, reviving the global story around Pakistan’s support should be a strategic priority. Taking advantage of platforms such as FATF, which has previously played an important role, and combat Pakistani stories in international think tanks should be renewed.
While upgradation has been applied to monitoring, fencing and drone-based monitoring with LoC, our technical capabilities generally decrease and should be addressed immediately to track transnational movements.
We cannot allow civic outreach and development to push under the weight of current emotions. With sensitive Politico-Sensitive handling, it requires a government-directed and closely monitored initiative to pursue it. Accelerating the major socio-economic schemes in Kashmir will help terrorists reject terrorists to rebuild a fertile recruitment ground.
It is paramount to control public nervousness, avoid communal consequences, and to present a firm to a firm still responsible for a firm. Media – both national and local – will play an important role. An increased sense of responsibility should be created in handling information to anyone, as rumor-humming and divisive narratives are likely to be spread.
This can also be a suitable moment to focus our focus on border communities and others affected by conflict. His role is important.
A common front against terrorism has an opportunity to unite the border residents, security forces and civil society. India can confirm its image as a responsible power by creating a correct balance between firmness and restraint.
(The author GOC, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority, Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir and former GOC of 15 Corps in Srinagar)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
