The tragic massacre of tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, marked the deadliest attack on civilians in Jammu & Kashmir since 2000, sending shockwaves across the nation. In mere moments, twenty-six innocent lives were lost, leaving many others with lifelong scars. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to relentlessly pursue the terrorists and their supporters resonated with the collective grief and determination of the country. However, this outrage must evolve into a more strategic approach—one that dismantles the command structures and financial networks fueling jihadist violence, rather than merely focusing on eliminating foot soldiers.
The attack exposed significant intelligence failures. Despite increased security measures ahead of the summer tourist season, a four-member assault team managed to infiltrate. Initial investigations indicate assistance from cross-border handlers and local operatives, underscoring ongoing coordination issues among the Intelligence Bureau, Research & Analysis Wing, military intelligence, and J&K police. Addressing these gaps—through real-time data integration, collaborative threat assessment, and cohesive political oversight—must take precedence over any military response.
New Delhi has consistently pointed fingers at Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence as the main architect behind the proxy war in Kashmir. The evidence from Pahalgam once again implicates Lashkar e Taiba, which operates under the guise of the “Kashmir Resistance”—a group that has been nurtured, armed, and funded by factions within the Pakistani security apparatus. However, Islamabad’s responsibility extends beyond this.
Charitable organizations based in the Gulf, drug trafficking networks in Afghanistan, and crypto wallets funded by the diaspora collectively sustain Kashmir-centric militancy. Cutting off these resources is crucial.
In contrast to the 1990s, India in 2025 wields significantly more diplomatic and economic influence.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
