Terror in Pahalgam: A Tragedy, A Wake-Up Call, and A Roadmap Forward

The brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, has pierced the nation’s conscience. What was supposed to be a serene holiday in the majestic hills of Baisaran Valley turned into a scene of carnage, as heavily armed militants opened fire on unarmed civilians—many of them tourists. At least 28 were killed, with over 20 severely injured. The assault was not merely an attack on individuals; it was an attack on the soul of Kashmir, on the idea of peace returning to the Valley, and on India’s resolve to secure every citizen.

This heinous act, reportedly carried out by militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, exposes persistent vulnerabilities in the region’s security architecture. Yet, while this tragedy is a moment of deep mourning, it must also serve as a pivot for constructive, future-oriented strategic action.

*Understanding the Message Behind the Violence*

To act wisely, we must first comprehend the intent. This attack was not random. It came at a time when the government has been working to project normalcy and boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. With hotels in Gulmarg and Pahalgam booked months in advance, a bumper tourist season was underway. The militants aimed not only to kill but to send a message: that peace is an illusion, that fear still rules, and that the Valley remains within their reach.

They hoped to undermine the public’s growing confidence, disrupt the economy, and provoke a heavy-handed response from the state that would further alienate local populations.

*Recalibrating the Security Strategy*

A hard-nosed, practical review of the region’s counter terror infrastructure is now non-negotiable. This attack was neither the first nor the last attempt to destabilise Kashmir. But its scale and precision reveal major failures in intelligence gathering, patrolling, and proactive threat neutralisation.

*India needs to adopt a layered approach to security in J&K:*

 • Intelligence Reforms: Our human intelligence (HUMINT) on the ground must be revitalised. Over-dependence on tech and surveillance has left us blind to chatter in local networks. Recruiting and training local youth, especially those in remote areas, for intelligence roles can provide early warnings.

 • Tourism Corridors as Priority Zones: Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg—these are not just tourist destinations, but symbols of revival. These areas must be classified as high-priority zones for round-the-clock surveillance, drone monitoring, and dedicated Rapid Response Teams.

 • Integrated Agency Command: Fragmentation across police, CRPF, Army, and IB continues to hamper coordinated action. A unified command in sensitive districts, empowered with real-time data and executive powers, is essential.

* Targeting Terror Ecosystem Beyond Borders*

While the trigger may be local, the hand that pulls it often lies across the border. Pakistan’s deep state continues to offer safe havens and ideological support to anti-India terror groups. While India’s diplomatic efforts have succeeded in globally isolating Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, the time has come to link this to concrete consequences.

We must:

 • Strengthen FATF Engagements: Push for a return of Pakistan to the FATF grey list by sharing evidence of continued terror financing.

 • Utilise Emerging Tech: Deploy AI and data analytics to map terror financing channels, many of which operate through shell charities and cryptocurrency.

 • Expose & Isolate: Launch coordinated global campaigns to expose the duplicity of regimes harbouring terrorists. Leverage global media, diasporas, and academic platforms.

* Healing Through Development*

Terror thrives in vacuums—of opportunity, hope, and connection. The government must continue its dual-pronged approach of development and dignity.

• Employment & Entrepreneurship: Instead of top-down development, incentivise private businesses to hire and invest in Kashmir. The next five years must focus on generating local jobs in IT, tourism, horticulture, and crafts.

• Youth Engagement: Launch a Valley-specific startup fund. Teach skills in coding, AI, tourism management, and export marketing. Help shift mindsets from victimhood to agency.

• Education Without Fear: Strengthen the education system with safe hostels, English-medium schools, scholarships, and exchange programs with the rest of India. An educated mind is harder to radicalise.

* Winning the Trust of Locals*

The bravery of locals who rescued tourists during the Pahalgam attack tells us that the heart of Kashmir still beats with humanity. We must nurture this bond.

• Deeper Civil-Military Dialogue: Civilians must not feel under siege. Joint social initiatives—medical camps, education drives, peace marches—can humanise the soldier and empower the villager.

• Community-Led Policing: Create platforms where community elders, religious leaders, and young influencers participate in planning local security and social welfare.

• Counselling & Rehabilitation: For those radicalised or misled, there must be a path back. Rehabilitation centers, skill training, and social reintegration programs should become mainstream policy.

* Rebuilding Kashmir’s Image*

The psychological aftermath of terror is often as damaging as the physical. Tourism, the economic lifeline of the region, must be safeguarded.

• Strategic PR Campaigns: Launch a “Safe Kashmir, Strong Kashmir” initiative on international platforms. Highlight local heroes, success stories, and cultural festivals.

• Subsidies & Insurance: Offer travel insurance and subsidies for tourists. Partner with airlines and hotels for packages that encourage footfall.

• Film & Culture Diplomacy: Encourage Indian cinema and global creators to shoot in Kashmir. Art has the power to rebrand conflict zones as hope zones.

*A Tragedy That Must Spark Transformation*

The Pahalgam attack is a tragic chapter in Kashmir’s troubled history. But it can also be the turning point. If we remain focused, united, and forward-looking, we can not only prevent future attacks but also build a Kashmir that thrives on peace, not fear.

Our strategy cannot be reactive. It must be comprehensive, inclusive, and rooted in justice. This means punishing the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing the next tragedy by building a new social contract between the state and its people.

Let Pahalgam not just be remembered for its pain, but for the promise it forced us to make—to never let terror win again.