The Road from Pahalgam, Understanding the Attack and the Path Ahead
Introduction
The recent terrorist attack at the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, where at least 25 tourists and a local driver were killed or injured, marks a significant shift in Jammu & Kashmir’s (J&K) security situation. While violence persists, it is crucial to recognize that, compared to previous years, there has been a movement towards a degree of normalcy. 
Key Highlights
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Historically, J&K was plagued by high levels of terrorist activity, with virtually every family affected either directly or indirectly.
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The State was once under the constant threat of armed militancy, but large-scale violence had seen a steady decline until the Pahalgam attack.
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The South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) recorded 241 incidents targeting tourists since 2000, 13 of which caused fatalities.
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Even with attacks like these, the current trend shows much lower overall violence compared to the past.
Challenges and Background
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In the peak years of terrorism, notably 2001, J&K witnessed 4,011 fatalities.
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Significant declines followed major initiatives like the abrogation of Article 370, with fatalities dropping to 177 in 2024.
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Despite improvements, Pakistan continues to provide ideological and material support to separatist elements, impeding complete normalization.
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Terrorist groups operating from Pakistan, including The Resistance Front (TRF) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), continue to launch attacks, though their capabilities have weakened.
The Reality of “Normalcy”
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“Normalcy” in Kashmir remains relative; while large-scale organized terrorism has significantly decreased, sporadic high-intensity attacks remain.
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Tourist numbers show signs of recovery — 25.6 million visitors were recorded in J&K in 2024, with expectations even higher for 2025.
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Despite incidents, the broader trajectory in Kashmir remains positive, but persistent vigilance and strategic pressure are necessary.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack is a grim reminder that the road to complete peace is still fraught with challenges. However, there is no denying the significant reduction in violence over recent years. Moving forward, steadfast efforts are needed to neutralize terrorism at its roots while sustaining progress toward a peaceful and thriving Kashmir.
5 Important Q&A
Q1: What happened at Pahalgam recently?
A: A terrorist attack at the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam killed or injured at least 25 tourists and a local driver.
Q2: How does this attack differ from the past violence in Kashmir?
A: While tragic, it marks a rare major attack compared to the high-intensity violence seen over the past decades, indicating an overall decline in such incidents.
Q3: What role does Pakistan continue to play in Kashmir’s unrest?
A: Pakistan still supports separatism by providing ideological, material, and operational assistance to terrorist groups like TRF and LeT.
Q4: Has Kashmir seen improvement in tourist activities?
A: Yes, with 25.6 million tourists visiting J&K in 2024 and expectations of even higher numbers in 2025, tourism is recovering.
Q5: What is the overall security situation in Kashmir today?
A: Although isolated attacks persist, there has been significant progress towards “normalcy,” with much lower fatalities and militant strength compared to the early 2000s.
