Kashmir Summer, but Pakistan Game Has No Winners
Introduction
The recent Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has reignited tensions in the region. Although Pakistan-backed terrorist groups have once again tried to destabilize Kashmir, it is evident that no side emerges victorious from these violent incidents. 
Background: The Pahalgam Massacre
On 20 March 2000, a jihadist death squad entered the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam and brutally killed 26 innocent tourists, mostly Hindus, from South Kashmir. The attackers emerged from the forest, firing on unsuspecting tourists enjoying a peaceful afternoon. Survivors recounted that the militants demanded to know if victims were Hindus or Muslims before killing them, signaling a deliberate communal motive.
The group responsible, The Resistance Front, is believed to be a front organization for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s spy agency, ISI. Although Pakistan vocally denied any involvement, the clear strategic aim was to reignite communal tensions and destabilize the region.
Political Reactions and Impact
Indian officials, including Congress MP Manish Tewari and General Aslam Munir, pointed to Pakistan’s involvement. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh promised a “swift and firm response,” while US Vice-President D.J.D. Vance condemned the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to Saudi Arabia, described the attackers as “monsters” and emphasized that they would be held accountable.
Pakistan’s Strategy and its Failures
In the aftermath, Pakistan attempted to portray Kashmiri people as willing participants in a struggle against India. However, this illusion fell apart as Kashmiris largely condemned the attack, realizing that ongoing violence only harmed local livelihoods, especially those tied to tourism and agriculture.
Additionally, attacks like Pahalgam dissuade visitors and economic investors, worsening the already fragile local economy. Pakistan’s expectation that Kashmiris would rise up en masse against India was not realized.
Current Scenario
Following the 2019 revocation of Article 370, tensions remain high. India has strengthened control over Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, implementing direct central governance.
Meanwhile, sporadic violence continues but with diminished impact compared to the 1990s and early 2000s.
India has made clear that retaliation against terrorist incidents will be swift and firm. Pakistan, for its part, faces growing international isolation for continuing to back militant proxies.
Conclusion
While Kashmir simmers, it’s evident that Pakistan’s tactics only bring misery to the region without achieving strategic success. The Kashmir issue remains sensitive, but terrorism is not seen as a legitimate tool for political aims either locally or internationally.
5 Important Q&A
Q1: What was the Pahalgam massacre?
A: It was a brutal attack on 26 Hindu tourists by a jihadist death squad in Baisaran meadow, South Kashmir, on 20 March 2000.
Q2: Who is believed to have orchestrated the Pahalgam attack?
A: The Resistance Front, a front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISI, is suspected to be behind the attack.
Q3: How has the Indian government responded to such attacks?
A: Indian leaders, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and PM Narendra Modi, have vowed strong, clear retaliation and emphasized accountability.
Q4: How does terrorism affect the local Kashmiri economy?
A: Terrorism disrupts tourism, agriculture, and employment, directly harming Kashmiri livelihoods and discouraging investment.
Q5: What is the present status of Kashmir after the 2019 abrogation of Article 370?
A: Kashmir is now directly administered by India as Union Territories (J&K and Ladakh), with tighter security but ongoing simmering tensions.
