The Pahalgam Terrorist Attack in Kashmir (April 22, 2025)

Why Kashmir? Historical and Geopolitical Context

Disputed Territory:

• Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan, with each controlling parts of the region (Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir).
• After partition, the ruler of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority princely state, acceded to India under a treaty, sparking the first Indo-Pak war (1947–48).
• The region’s strategic location in the Himalayas, bordering China, adds to its geopolitical significance.

Insurgency Since 1989:

An armed insurgency erupted in 1989, fueled by separatist groups. Militant organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, and Jaish-e-Mohammed have been active. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict.

Revocation of Article 370 (2019):

In August 2019, India revoked Article 370. This allowed non-Kashmiris to buy land and settle in the region. Groups like TRF claimed the issuance of 83,000–85,000 domicile certificates to non-locals as a motive for the attack.

Militarization and Crackdowns:

Kashmir is one of the most militarized zones in the world, with around 500,000 Indian security personnel. Post-2019, India intensified crackdowns, fueling alienation and militant recruitment.

Why This Attack? Immediate Triggers and Conditions

Targeting Tourism:

• Tourism contributes nearly 7% to Kashmir’s GDP. In 2024, 3.5 million tourists visited.
• The attack aimed to disrupt peace narrative, instill fear, and damage the economy.

Political Messaging:

The attack occurred during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit, suggesting an intent to draw global attention.

Cross-Border Tensions:

• India alleges Pakistan’s involvement, identifying Saifullah Kasuri as a mastermind.
• Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denied involvement.

Security and Intelligence Lapses:

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi called the attack an “intelligence failure”. The attackers used helmet-mounted cameras for propaganda.

Religious and Ethnic Targeting:

Targeting of non-Muslims indicates a sectarian motive, similar to the 2021 killings of Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs.

Local Grievances:

• Revocation of Article 370, media censorship, and arrests under UAPA fueled discontent.
• TRF has targeted local youth for online radicalization.

Pakistan’s Role:

• India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism via LeT and JeM.
• Pakistan denies direct involvement but refuses to crack down on these groups.

Global Attention:

Attacks are often timed with high-profile visits to maximize media coverage.

Decline in Violence, but Persistent Threat:

In 2023, terrorist incidents dropped to 267 from 457 in 2022. But 2024 saw a spike, and the Pahalgam attack proves persistent threats remain.

Critical Analysis: Exposing the Complex Reality

• India’s Narrative vs. Reality: While violence declined, the Pahalgam attack revealed militant resilience.
• Pakistan’s Denials: TRF’s LeT links weaken Pakistan’s credibility, but local unrest is also a factor.
• Militant Strategy: Attacking tourists and non-Muslims is a divisive tactic. Use of social media modernizes their propaganda.
• Security Failures: The attack questions intelligence and protection of key tourist spots.
• Risk of Escalation: Measures like suspending the Indus Waters Treaty could worsen India-Pakistan ties.

Sources to Cite:

Reputable outlets are used as Sources like The Hindu, Al Jazeera, and Reuters. Avoid unverified sources unless for public opinion context.

Final Thoughts

The Pahalgam attack is a tragic reminder of the Kashmir conflict, driven by historical grievances and ongoing militancy. A sensitive, informative approach is essential when covering this global issue.