Mentor’s Comment:  The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is not just an act of violence; it’s a calculated political move, carefully timed to cause both human casualties and strategic disruption. The attack took place shortly after the Kashmir Valley started welcoming tourists for the season and while U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance was visiting India. This is not a random attack, but part of a long-standing pattern of cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies. At a time when Pakistan had faded from India’s diplomatic focus, it has now returned, aiming to disrupt what India holds dear.

Today’s editorial analyzes the recent terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This discussion will be useful for GS Paper 2 on International Relations and GS Paper 3 on Border Management.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

On April 22, 2025, terrorists attacked a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing dozens and injuring many others. This was the first major attack on civilians in Kashmir since the government removed the region’s special status in 2019.

Why is the Pahalgam attack seen as a political signal beyond terrorism?

• Strategic Timing: The attack was carefully timed to coincide with major diplomatic events, aiming to internationalize the Kashmir issue and undermine India’s global image. Eg: It occurred during U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance’s visit to India, drawing global attention and signaling instability in Kashmir.

• Undermining Normalcy: Targeting a tourist destination was meant to damage the perception of peace, hurt local livelihoods, and instill fear among potential visitors. Eg: The attack happened in Baisaran near Pahalgam, a scenic spot often described as ‘mini Switzerland’, during peak tourism season.

• Proxy Warfare: It reflects Pakistan’s continued reliance on non-state actors to wage asymmetric warfare against India while maintaining deniability. Eg: The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISI, claimed responsibility—mirroring past attacks like the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

What intelligence and security lapses does the attack reveal?

• Failure of Local Intelligence Gathering: Security forces lacked timely and actionable intelligence about militant movement in a high-tourist zone. Eg: Despite a large number of tourists in Pahalgam, there were no alerts about possible threats in the area prior to the attack.

• Inadequate Perimeter Surveillance: The attackers exploited gaps in area surveillance and patrol routines around tourist spots. Eg: The militants attacked near Baisaran meadow—an open and vulnerable area with limited surveillance despite being a tourist hotspot.

• Weak Coordination Among Agencies: Lack of seamless coordination between intelligence, police, and paramilitary forces led to poor threat anticipation and response. Eg: Local police reportedly had not received central alerts, reflecting weak inter-agency information sharing.

• Overreliance on Static Security Checks: Security was concentrated at checkpoints, but attackers used off-road routes to bypass these. Eg: Militants avoided heavily guarded roads and struck a moving vehicle, indicating knowledge of patrol patterns.

• Neglect of Civilian Vulnerability Mapping: No dynamic assessment of soft targets such as unescorted tourist groups in sensitive areas. Eg: The victims were on a pony ride, unprotected, with no security escort in a forested zone open to ambush.

How does Pakistan’s instability under Gen. Munir fuel cross-border terrorism?

• Military-Civil Power Struggle: The weakening of civilian institutions and dominance of the military creates an environment where the Army uses external conflicts to maintain control. Eg: Gen. Munir’s growing influence post-Imran Khan’s ousting has coincided with increased militant activity in Kashmir to divert attention from domestic unrest.

• Use of Terrorism as Strategic Depth: The Pakistani military views proxy groups as tools to counterbalance India without engaging in direct war. Eg: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have resurged in training and logistics activities near the LoC.

• Diverting Attention from Internal Crises: Facing economic collapse and political chaos, Pakistan’s deep state stokes tensions with India to unify the populace and distract from internal failures. Eg: After IMF bailout troubles and mass protests, there was a spike in infiltration attempts into J&K.

• Weak Civilian Oversight on Terror Networks: Political instability weakens civilian checks on terror outfits, allowing the military and ISI to operate with impunity. Eg: Banned terror outfits continue to function under new names and operate training camps openly in PoK and Punjab regions.

• ISI’s Tactical Shift Toward Lone Wolf or Hybrid Militants: The ISI, under Munir’s tenure as ex-ISI chief, has adapted to deploy hard-to-trace, localised operatives, making it harder for India to track networks. Eg: Attacks like Pahalgam have shown signs of hybrid militancy—locals radicalised online but supported logistically from across the border.

How can India align its external stance with internal outreach in Kashmir?

• Promote Development as a Security Strategy: Emphasize infrastructure, education, and employment to win hearts locally and showcase progress internationally. Eg: The Srinagar Smart City project and new medical colleges can be highlighted in diplomatic forums to counter negative narratives.

• Empower Local Governance: Strengthen democratic institutions like Panchayats and urban bodies to demonstrate political normalization. Eg: Conducting timely local body elections and empowering DDCs reflects ground-level participation, reinforcing India’s democratic image globally.

• Consistent Narrative Management: Maintain a unified communication strategy to counter misinformation from hostile actors. Eg: India’s MEA and J&K administration issuing joint statements during crises can reduce confusion and reinforce India’s position internationally.

• Engage Diaspora and Global Media: Leverage Indian diaspora and media outreach to project a balanced narrative on Kashmir reforms and security. Eg: Indian embassies organizing Kashmir-focused briefings in the US/EU to highlight post-Article 370 investments and peace-building.

• Cultural and Religious Diplomacy: Promote Kashmir’s syncretic traditions like Sufism to counter radical narratives. Eg: Organizing international Sufi festivals or Buddhist circuit promotion in Ladakh can portray Kashmir as culturally inclusive and peaceful.

What steps has taken by the Indian Government?

• Diplomatic Measures: India has downgraded its diplomatic and logistical ties with Pakistan.Eg: The Indus Waters Treaty has been suspended, the Attari-Wagah border crossing has been closed, and Pakistani defense advisors have been expelled. Additionally, Pakistani nationals in India under regional visas have been given 48 hours to leave, and India’s embassy staff in Islamabad has been reduced.

• Security Enhancements: The Indian government has increased security measures in Jammu and Kashmir. Eg: Security forces are conducting a major manhunt in the region to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack. The government is also reviewing and strengthening security protocols to prevent future incidents.

Way forward: 

• Enhanced Security Infrastructure: Strengthen intelligence networks and surveillance systems in vulnerable regions like Jammu and Kashmir to preempt cross-border terrorism and ensure rapid response capabilities.
• Diplomatic Pressure on Pakistan: Intensify international diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan by leveraging global platforms, pressing for accountability, and fostering stronger alliances to counter terrorism.

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