Pahalgam attack: A tragedy that calls for national resolve and action

From the editor’s desk

On April 22, 2025, the idyllic landscapes of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, were transformed from a peaceful tourist destination into a horrifying scene of violence. What was meant to be a day of leisure for hundreds of visitors, including families and holidaymakers, quickly turned into a nightmare. Terrorists armed with heavy weaponry opened fire on unsuspecting civilians, resulting in the tragic deaths of 26 innocent people and leaving many others injured in what has been described as one of the most brutal terror attacks in recent memory. This attack was not just on tourists or a specific community; it was an assault on the very principles of democracy, secularism, and peace that India stands for.

Innocent victims

Among the victims were domestic tourists from various parts of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. These families had traveled to Kashmir in search of respite amidst the picturesque surroundings, little knowing that their holiday would end in such a violent tragedy. Eyewitnesses have shared harrowing accounts of masked gunmen halting tourist vehicles, segregating passengers, and shooting at point-blank range. Some victims were even forced to reveal their religious identities, and those who could not were tragically murdered on the spot.

A local hero: Courage amidst terror

One of the most moving stories to emerge from that tragic day was that of a local Muslim pony handler who tried to shield a group of tourists from the gunmen. In doing so, he lost his own life, but his bravery has been widely recognized and celebrated. His funeral brought together people from across communities, demonstrating the unity and compassion that transcends religious divides in the face of terror.

The response

The response from the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces was swift and coordinated. Within minutes of the attack, security personnel moved into action, securing the area and beginning rescue operations. Helicopters were deployed to evacuate the wounded to nearby hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag. The survivors, many of whom have sustained severe gunshot injuries, are now being treated for both physical wounds and the psychological trauma that such violence brings. The region has been placed on high alert, and security measures at all major entry points into Kashmir have been heightened.

Cross-border links

Preliminary intelligence reports suggest that the attack was carried out by terror groups with connections to Pakistanbased outfits. Intercepted communications indicate that the attackers were in contact with handlers operating from Muzaffarabad, underscoring once again the role of external forces in perpetuating instability in India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now taken over the investigation and is tracing the financial and logistical networks that enabled the assault.

Economic impact

This attack is not an isolated incident in Kashmir's long history of terrorism, but what makes it particularly alarming is the targeting of civilians—especially tourists. Tourism had seen a significant resurgence in the region in recent years, offering a lifeline to local businesses and families. In 2024 alone, more than 2.5 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, providing muchneeded economic support to the people. The brutal nature of this attack appears to be an attempt not only to cause loss of life but also to destabilize the local economy by undermining the tourism sector.

Indian government’s response

India’s central government has reacted promptly to this attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had been on an overseas visit, immediately cut his trip short and chaired an emergency meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Defence, and Intelligence. In the aftermath, the government made several significant decisions. It announced a temporary halt to dialogue with Pakistan regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, froze all bilateral cooperation activities under SAARC, and suspended the visa process for Pakistani nationals. Additionally, a diplomatic protest was lodged with the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, emphasizing India’s commitment to countering cross-border terrorism.

Crackdown on terror networks

On the ground, authorities have detained over 1,000 individuals suspected of having ties to terror groups. A wave of crackdowns has also targeted properties linked to known radicalizers, and several illegal structures have been demolished in accordance with anti-terror laws. In South Kashmir, especially in districts like Anantnag and Pulwama, large-scale combing operations have been initiated by security forces to track down remaining operatives.

National outrage

The attack has sparked public outrage across the country. Protests and vigils have been held in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai, with citizens from all walks of life expressing solidarity with the victims and condemning the violence. Social media has been inundated with messages of grief, anger, and unity, as citizens come together to demand justice for the innocent lives lost.

Gaps in preparedness

However, the Pahalgam attack also raises serious concerns about India’s preparedness in the fight against terrorism. While intelligence reports had flagged potential threats, there were significant gaps in coordination and timely response, which allowed the attackers to carry out their plans. There are growing calls for a complete overhaul of India’s counterterrorism infrastructure. This includes strengthening surveillance, improving border control measures, enhancing community policing, and implementing more robust de-radicalization programs in areas vulnerable to extremism.

A call for peace in Kashmir

In Kashmir itself, local residents have condemned the attack, understanding that such acts of violence only exacerbate the region’s problems. Civil society groups in the Valley have urged the government to maintain its focus on the socio-economic development of the region, emphasizing that terrorism will only delay the peace and prosperity that the people of Kashmir deserve. Community leaders are calling for a united front against extremism, stressing the importance of peace and stability for the future of Kashmir.

International support

The international community has strongly condemned the attack. Nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Australia have expressed their support for India and called for decisive action against those responsible for supporting terrorism. These expressions of solidarity offer India an opportunity to increase diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, particularly in international forums such as the United Nations, to push for sanctions against terror groups operating within its borders.

Looking ahead, it is imperative that India responds to this attack with a clear, long-term strategy. While military action and swift retaliation are often necessary, they are not enough on their own. India must focus on strengthening its internal security mechanisms, build better intelligence networks within communities, and expedite the legal processes for prosecuting terror cases. Diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure will also play a critical role in preventing further violence.