Pahalgam Attack 2025: A Setback to Kashmir’s Path of Peace

Context:

Despite significant progress in normalcy and tourism post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, a devastating terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, has shaken public confidence. The killing of 28 people, mostly tourists, marks a serious setback to the region’s peace-building efforts and poses a renewed challenge to India's internal security architecture.

The Attack: What Happened?

• Location: Baisaran Valley, 5 km from Pahalgam, in Anantnag district, J&K.

• Casualties: 28 people killed, mostly domestic tourists.

• Accessibility Challenge: The area is high-altitude and motor-inaccessible, reachable only by foot or horseback, making rescue operations extremely difficult.

• Perpetrators: The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

Pahalgam: An Overview

• Region: Located in southern Kashmir, ~90 km from Srinagar Airport.

• Significance: A major tourism and pilgrimage hub, popular for its natural beauty and religious sites.

Key Tourist Attractions:

• Amarnath Cave Temple – A sacred Hindu shrine.

• Betaab Valley – Named after the 1983 Bollywood movie.

• Aru Wildlife Sanctuary – Hosts rare species like the Himalayan brown bear.

• Tulian Lake – Alpine lake, popular among trekkers.

Baisaran Valley: The 'Mini Switzerland' of Kashmir

• Distance from Pahalgam: About 5 km, accessible only on foot or pony.

• Landscape: Lush meadows, pine forests, and snow-covered peaks.

• Tourism Significance: Acts as a base camp for trekkers heading to Tulian Lake.

• Nickname: Called "Mini Switzerland" for its European-like landscape.

• Year-Round Destination: Attracts tourists in both summer and winter seasons.

The Resistance Front (TRF): A Proxy Militant Outfit

Origins and Evolution

• Formed shortly after Article 370 abrogation (August 2019).

• A proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, backed by Pakistan’s ISI.

• Active in recruiting and radicalizing youth via social media campaigns.

Government Response

• Declared a terrorist organization under the UAPA in January 2023 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Cited for inciting violence and spreading anti-India propaganda.

Notable Attacks by TRF

• Targeted tourists, migrant workers, and minority communities.

• Focused on destabilizing the Valley and derailing the peace narrative.

Strategic Implications of the Pahalgam Attack

1. Challenge to Normalcy Post-Article 370

• Post-2019, J&K witnessed:

  • Decline in terror incidents.

  • Record tourism (over 1.8 crore visitors in 2023).

• The attack shatters the perception of peace and security.

2. Targeting of Economic Revival

• Tourism was seen as a symbol of economic and social integration.

• Attack aimed at undermining investor confidence and reviving fear.

3. Strategic Timing

• Incident occurred during:

  • Visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India.

  • PM Modi’s diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia.

• Reflects past patterns of timing attacks to gain global attention:

  • March 2000: 36 Sikhs massacred before President Clinton’s visit.

  • May 2002: Kaluchak attack during US official Christina Rocca’s visit.

Geopolitical Undertones

• Attack followed provocative rhetoric from Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, who referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein.”

• Signifies Pakistan’s continued psychological warfare and proxy engagement through non-state actors.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Internal Security

The Pahalgam attack is a stark reminder that peace in Jammu & Kashmir remains fragile. Despite development initiatives and diplomatic engagements, cross-border terror networks and proxy outfits like TRF continue to pose threats.

Policy Recommendations:

• Strengthen border intelligence and surveillance.

• Boost infrastructure in tourist-prone, high-risk zones.

• Promote community vigilance and counter-radicalization measures.

• Sustain diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally on terror financing.