Terror, Silence, and the Struggle for Peace in Kashmir
At least 26 people were killed when terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, opened fire on a group of tourists on April 22, 2025.
Before firing, the assailants, who were dressed as soldiers, allegedly looked up religious identifying markers and specifically targeted non-Muslims.
As evidence of the enduring influence of cross-border terrorism, the Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy organization associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, took responsibility.
The tourism sector, which provides Kashmiris with a significant source of income, has been severely damaged by this attack, and prospective tourists are now widely afraid.
In response, authorities imposed curfews and internet restrictions, further isolating civilians—a tactic that frequently causes more harm than good.
Despite assertions of "normalcy," these attacks demonstrate that there are still significant intelligence and coordination gaps and that militancy is far from done.
The targeting of civilians on the basis of their race or religion is indicative of ingrained sectarian objectives that need to be exposed and dismantled.
The narrative of peace in Kashmir that the Indian government has promoted since the repeal of Article 370 is not consistent with the unstable conditions on the ground.
India accused Pakistan of support, worsening India-Pakistan diplomatic relations, and halting cooperation on treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty.
Public confidence in national and local governments is damaged by recurring cycles of violence and repression, which also encourage some young people to adopt radical ideas.
Force alone won't put an end to violence. India needs to have long-term, transparent political discussions including the opinions of prior leaders and local groups.
Better community collaboration, on-the-ground human intelligence, and intelligence exchange between central agencies and local units are all necessary.
Schools, places of worship, and local media must work together to avoid young radicalization through community support networks, career opportunities, and education.
Smarter, rights-respecting security measures are necessary; shutting down the internet simply serves to alienate residents and impede humanitarian response.