In The Name of What? : Kashmir Terror Attack

A few years ago I read a quote. It aligns with the latest Kashmir terror attack. 

“You should not be afraid of someone who has a library and reads many books; you should fear someone who has only one book and considers it

sacred, but has never read it.”

Then, I was mature enough to understand the interpretation of the quote, but today, I understand its depth. The Kashmir terror attack has shaken the entire nation. To list, we have failed in multiple domains, government failed to protect its citizens, intelligence failed to detect the threat, media failed in timely reporting of the situation and lastly humans failed to show even an ounce of humanity.

I want to believe that the underlying issue is beyond religious indoctrination and rigid dogmatism, but is it really?

Kashmir Terror Attack – Panic In Pahalgam

Kashmir, a Paradise, has been yet again coloured in blood by Islamic fanatics after they killed 28 tourists brutally in the name of religion. Pahalgam, a beautiful tourist destination, witnessed the bloodshed on 22nd April 2025, marking it as another black day in the history of our country.

In the latest Kashmir terror attack, Hindu tourists were singled out and were asked to recite the Islamic ‘holy words’ Qalma, the failure of which made them the targets of the barrel of the gun of terrorists. Reports and various sources suggested that 4 terrorists approached the tourists, enjoying the scenery in the local police uniforms. They had heavy artillery with the intention of intimidation and violence. The madness didn’t end there, men were asked to take off their trousers to check their identity of a Muslim.

In a blink of an eye, 26 families lost their loved ones and many came out injured as the repercussion of the open fire by the 4 terrorists, hiding behind the guise of the protector. Various news outlets, channels, and papers are covering the shocking news with their own different narratives. Social media is filled with various controversies and stories. People and politicians engaged in different debates, placing blame on each other.

 Government’s Responsibility: Pahalgam Attack

The anger of people is justified in questioning government and intelligence. They have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country. An individual in this country has a full right to live and travel to places without the fear of being targeted because of their religion, a bare minimum requirement that a country must offer. The Jammu & Kashmir terrorist attack has unveiled the holes in our security system.  

India’s Ministry of Defence budget for the year 2025-26 is estimated at Rs 6,81,210.27 crore, which is approximately USD 78.7 billion). With such huge budget allocation in place, we have a right to ask the steps taken to protect us against such brutal acts of terror. This attack serves as a great blunder imprinted in the government’s books.

Kashmir Terror Attack – Uncomfortable Questions to Confront

Let’s start with calling for what it was, a terrorist attack built on the foundation of religious hatred intending on targeting a particular community. If you think it was anything other than this, then I might want you to question your beliefs so that a conclusion can be found behind your misplaced faith.

While, the blame has been placed on government and intelligence, and their failure to protect the people, there are many sources which confirm two of the 4 terrorists were Kashmiri locals. This becomes ambiguous for the authority to assess the identity of the victim and perpetrator. The involvement of certain locals from the state just proves the extreme brainwashing by the religious zealots and the sentiments of the people being exploited to carry forward their own nasty ideologies.

Different media houses are presenting different stories, making it difficult to reach the truth. However, certain survivors have come forward, to help the authorities reach the perpetrator, regarding the Kashmir terror attack. The news of targeting a certain community, how terrorists were dressed, their motivation and their execution were heard and spread by the words of the survivors, who now have to live with the traumatic visions of watching their loved ones die.

Authorities are still investigating the matter, while we also see the protests in Kashmir for the victims along with the army’s probe in the valley to find the terrorists and other people who might be involved in giving shelter to the militants.

India’s Response to the Attack – Kashmir Terror Attack and Violence

One of my favourite authors, George Orwell, quoted “Most politicians are interested not in truth but in power and in maintaining that power.” I can’t help but agree, however, the common folks like me can only hope that truth comes to light and the actions taken are not only theoretical but also aims to make a real change.

Initially, TRF, ‘The resistance front’ had taken responsibility for the Kashmir terror attack. It is a militant group actively engaged in the insurgency and terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. It is designated as a terrorist organisation in India. However, as the tensions have reached a pinnacle, TRF has denied any involvement. They quoted “that the picture that went viral of their acceptance is forged to malign their image and Kashmiri resistance.” Instead, they have piled the intrusion on Indian authorities. The Indian government is yet to answer regarding this situation.

Suspecting Pakistan’s involvement in providing shelter to the various terrorist organisations, TRF in this case and the crossing of borders by terrorists, India has responded in various ways. For the first time, India has suspended the Indus water treaty with Pakistan. The suspension will surely have long-lasting effects on the economy of Pakistan, altering their agriculture and energy needs.

Indian government has also decided suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals were also suspended. All Pakistani nationals that were residing in India were also asked to leave before the expiry of visas. Post the attack the tensions between the two nations have escalated, especially near the border areas.

The Fallout : Pahalgam Attack

Different nations have lent their support to India in the fight against terrorism. Both the US and China have pledged support but shied away from blaming Pakistan for the Kashmir terror attack. These expressions shed light on the intricacies of global diplomatic engagements.

There are no words that could console the survivors of the attack who lost their loved ones, except the promise of justice that must be carried by the government and intelligence.

Enmity and chaos have ensued in the nation post the Pahalgam terror attack. It has targeted innocents from all sides. The hatred needs to be annihilated. It’s not only disturbing the peace of our nation but also allowing the ‘brainwashers’ and ‘separatists’ to take advantage of the situation and propagate their own hateful narratives.

As opposed to the depraved ideologies of terrorists, there is no cause noble enough that demands the blood of innocents.

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