Pt.1 Pahalgam Terror Attack | Why Pakistan Needs A Severe Retaliation From India | Akash Banerjee

Summary

On April 22, 2025, a horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir targeted tourists, marking a new and brutal chapter in the region's history of violence. With 28 dead, including two foreigners, the attack on Pahalgam shocked the world, highlighting increasing desperation in terrorism strategies. While the international community, including leaders like Trump and Putin, condemned the violence, questions about security lapses and the involvement of Pakistan in encouraging hybrid warfare remain. India faces a crucial moment, balancing military responses with political strategy to prevent further escalation and avoid falling into a divisive, communal trap.

Takeaways

• 😀 The terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 28 people, including two foreign nationals, marking one of the deadliest in recent memory.
• 😀 The attack was specifically targeted at tourists, an unusual shift from the past, where terrorists mainly targeted locals and security forces.
• 😀 Terrorists chose a remote location accessible only by ponies or on foot, making rescue and security intervention difficult.
• 😀 The attackers identified their victims based on identity cards, singling out Hindus, which indicates a clear communal motive behind the violence.
• 😀 International leaders, including JD Vance, Trump, and Vladimir Putin, condemned the attack, showing solidarity with India.
• 😀 Pakistan's involvement in the attack is suspected, though they have denied any responsibility, fearing international scrutiny from bodies like the FATF.
• 😀 The attack signals a possible new phase in hybrid warfare, with Pakistan trying to escalate tensions without directly claiming responsibility for terror acts.
• 😀 The incident has raised concerns about security lapses in the region, especially given the significant presence of tourists and key figures like JD Vance.
• 😀 There are growing concerns that protests arising from the attack could turn into communal riots, which would play into the hands of Pakistan's strategy to destabilize India.
• 😀 The government of India faces pressure to respond strongly, both militarily and politically, to prevent further escalation and undermine the terrorist agenda.
• 😀 Questions have been raised about India's intelligence and security apparatus, particularly regarding its preparedness in high-profile regions like Pahalgam and during significant events like the Amarnath Yatra.

Q & A

What new chapter has been added to Jammu and Kashmir's long history with terrorism on 22 April?

The 22 April incident marked a new chapter in the region's history, where tourists and civilians were directly targeted by terrorists. The attack led to 28 deaths, including two foreigners, which raised concerns about the increasing violence and the targeting of non-combatants in the area.

How does this attack differ from previous terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir?

Unlike previous incidents that targeted locals or specific groups like pilgrims (e.g., the 2001 attack on the state legislature or the 2017 Amarnath Yatra attack), this attack specifically targeted tourists, a first in recent history, indicating a new level of desperation among terrorists.

What message did the terrorists aim to send by killing tourists in Pahalgam?

The terrorists aimed to spread fear and create tension by targeting tourists based on their identities, signaling a broader agenda tied to Hindu-Muslim conflict. This act was seen as a way to bleed India through continuous terror, following a strategy of creating communal strife.

What is the significance of the international reactions to the attack?

The international community, including leaders like JD Vance, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin, expressed shock and condemned the attack, underscoring global support for India. This international backing is seen as crucial for India to use in its response to Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism.

What does the terrorist group TRF stand for, and why is its role in this attack significant?

TRF, or The Resistance Front, is believed to be an extension of Pakistan-based terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba. Its involvement in this attack suggests that the attack was not purely local, as terrorists historically do not target tourists in J&K due to the region's dependence on tourism.

Why is there a suspicion that Pakistan is involved in this attack?

The attack's execution, targeting tourists with a clear identity-based focus, reflects a strategy that aligns with Pakistan's long-standing efforts to destabilize India. Although Pakistan denies involvement, the attack bears similarities to previous operations linked to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

What role does the issue of 'domiciles for non-locals' play in the conflict?

The issuance of domiciles to non-locals is seen as a tactic to alter the demographic balance of Jammu and Kashmir. The TRF, or other terrorist groups, have used this issue to incite violence against those perceived as 'illegally' settling in the region, further escalating tensions.

Why was the security lapse in Pahalgam a major concern after the attack?

The security lapse, especially given the heightened threat during the Amarnath Yatra season, raised questions about the preparedness of local security forces. Despite the region's ongoing security concerns, the attack occurred in an area where tourist safety was seemingly under-prioritized.

How does the attack reflect a shift in the strategy of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?

This attack reflects a shift from traditional forms of terrorism targeting local political figures or security forces to attacks that directly affect the region's civilian population, including tourists. This change indicates an increased focus on spreading fear and destabilizing the local economy.

What kind of response is expected from India in reaction to this terror attack?

India's response is expected to be both military and political. While military forces have proven effective in counter-terrorism operations, the political challenge lies in handling protests that could escalate into communal violence. There is a call for a disproportionate response to deter further attacks and to assert India's position on global platforms.