Srinagar, The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 shocked the country. The attack in Baisaran Valley, known as 'Mini Switzerland', killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The attack has raised serious questions about India's security system. Security experts say that this attack not only reflects the new strategy of terrorists, but also exposes the failure of intelligence and local security.
The brutality of the attack and the strategy of terrorists
The terrorists attacked in a well-planned manner in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam. According to police sources, four terrorists first checked the religion and identity of the tourists, then targeted non-Muslims. 'The Resistance Front' (TRF), an organization associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. According to experts, the terrorists were armed with American M4 rifles and fired sniper-style, which points to their military training. Defence expert Brigadier (Retd) Rahul Bhosale said, "This attack was the result of pre-reconnaissance and high-level planning. The terrorists tried to send a message globally by targeting the tourist spot."
Questions on security system
Security experts called this attack a failure of the intelligence system. Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney said, "The way civilians were systematically targeted shows the deep flaws in our security system." Major General (Retd) Dilawar Singh called this attack a "complete failure of the security system" and raised questions as to how terrorists were able to infiltrate such a sensitive area. He stressed that the lack of coordination between local intelligence units and central forces is a major reason for this.
New pattern of terror
Experts believe that this attack reflects a new pattern of terrorism. Southeast Asia expert Qamar Agha said, "Terrorists are now targeting soft targets, such as tourists, to gain maximum fear and global attention." Israeli ambassador Reuven Azar compared the attack to Hamas' Israel attack on October 7, 2023, warning of growing coordination between terror groups. Experts also pointed out that the reactivation of terror training camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) could be the reason for the attack.
Intelligence and security shortcomings
Before the Pahalgam attack, terrorists had conducted a recce of the area, which intelligence agencies failed to catch. Defense expert Ashwini Sichav said, "Pakistan will have to respond to this attack. Intelligence agencies will have to be more active." The NIA team started investigation in Srinagar after the attack, and a photo of a terrorist has also surfaced. However, experts say that action only later is not enough; the intelligence system has to be alert beforehand.
Stand of the government and the army
After the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled his visit to Saudi Arabia and held a security meeting. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, "We have a zero tolerance policy against terror. The conspirators will not be able to escape." The army launched an operation and killed two terrorists, but experts say that more stringent measures will have to be taken to stop cross-border terrorism.
Way forward
Experts suggested that India must strengthen the local intelligence network and take steps like surgical strikes on terrorist hideouts in PoK. Also, there is a need to increase security at tourist places and implement drone-based surveillance. This attack not only demands a review of India's security policies but also underlines the need for unity against terrorism at the global level.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack is a warning to India that the threat of terrorism still persists. In the opinion of security experts, strengthening the intelligence system, connecting local communities and strict action on cross-border terrorism can be the answer to this threat. This attack is a call not only for the security forces but for the entire country to fight terrorism unitedly.
No comments: