Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: The Root of Radicalism

A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22 witnessed the brutal murder of 27 tourists and left many critically wounded. A group of terrorists said to be about six in number, descended from a nearby jungle of pine trees into the scenic meadow of the Baisaran valley in Pahalgam and shot innocent tourists. The incident has left Bharat and the world aghast and horrified.

The terrorists conducted their killing selectively by first confirming the religion of the victims and then shot only non-Muslims. They culminated their immoral activity in about 10-15 minutes and then disappeared into the forest from where they came. Reports indicate that a majority of the terrorists were Pakistanis, even as two of them were locals. This input has been deducted from the language that the terrorists spoke. A so-called radical organisation, the Resistance Front, a front for the Lash-Kar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ominous Shadow of General Asim Munir

General Asim Munir is the incumbent chief of the Army staff of the Pakistan Army, an appointment that he has held since 2022. His father, Syed Sarwar Munir, was imam of a mosque. His family is locally known as Hafiz because its members, including the General, have memorised the holy Quran. Munir’s early education was in a madrasa.

The religious background of the General, his military upbringing in an Army radicalised by General Zia-ul-Haq, and his service with the notorious Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) as Director General before taking over the Army makes it easy to identify him as a thoroughbred hawk of the establishment.

Munir, however, turned out to be a politician more than an Army Chief. It is open knowledge that he is responsible for the ouster and imprisonment of Imran Khan, who had accused him of “dismantling the future of this country [Pakistan] to protect himself.”

The present Government, run by Shahbaz Sharif, continues in his favour. While the previous chiefs managed extensions for themselves, Munir has had legislation passed to ensure a five-year term that will finish as late as 2027.

It seems that lately, Munir has realised that he is ignoring the core issue of Islamic radicalism on the basis of which his Army is continuing to control Pakistan. He is also aware of the falling image of the Army and knows from experience that the best way to resurrect the same is by generating an anti-Bharat sentiment. He has, therefore, started targeting Bharat on multiple fronts.

In an address at an overseas Pakistani’s Convention in Islamabad on April 16, in which even the country’s Prime Minister was in attendance, General Munir made a speech that has been described as provocative and inflammatory the world over.

“You have to narrate Pakistan’s story to your children so that they don’t forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life”, he said while referring to Bharat and the two-nation theory. On the issue of Kashmir, he said, “Our stance is absolutely clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle.”

His hate speech met with fevered applause by the audience. Even the Prime Minister of Pakistan was seen clapping vigorously. Later, it was described as lucid, purposeful, and visionary. The congregation, therefore, left no doubt about its full support to Munir and his misadventures. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam came days after this inflammatory speech by Munir. Intelligence agencies have indicated that this speech may have served as a catalyst for the terrorist attack.

Another thought process advocates that the attack had already been planned before the speech was made and executed after the speech. Now, the message of a new belligerence towards Bharat by the Pakistan Army is loud and clear.

Planning of the Terror Attack

A cursory assessment gives an indication that the Pahalgam terror attack has been meticulously planned by professionals. Baisaran meadow, the area for the attack, was carefully selected. Dubbed as ‘mini Switzerland,’ this meadow is accessible only on foot or by pony with the roadhead at about a half-hour trek away. The neighbouring Pine forests offer a good hiding place and exfiltration route. The terrain, therefore, gives adequate time to conduct the strike before reaction by the state security apparatus.

The group would have arrived in the nearby forest about a week in advance for reconnaissance and orientation. A considerable effort would have been made to maintain secrecy while locating the trained terrorists in the area. The exercise would have been impossible without local support, who could have possibly been involved in the planning at multiple levels.

In connivance with Pakistan Army, the attack was planned by one Saifullah Kasuri, who is a local LeT commander. Intelligence inputs also indicate possible involvement from two Pakistan (Rawalkot) based LeT handlers, including a man named Abu Musa. In a rally at Rawalkot on April 18 Abu Musa openly endorsed violence, and said, “Jihad will continue, guns will rage and beheading will continue in Kashmir. India wants to change the demography of Kashmir by giving domicile certificates to non-locals.”

The timing is also well planned to coincide with the visit to India by the US P Vice President JD Vance and his family, the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia, the peak of the tourist season, and the speech of the Pakistani COAS. Notably, the annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and the preparations. Pahalgam is the 44 km route of Chhari Mubarak for the Amarnath Yatra. It becomes quite apparent that the Pakistan army, with its notorious ISI and powerful militant leaders based in the country, have carried out the planning and execution of this terrible attack. Any attempt to pass it off as the handiwork of a few locals is simplistic.

The Indian Response

The Government of India was quick to respond to the challenging situation. While the prime minister cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia, Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Kashmir to take a first-hand report and meet the families of the victims. A team of the National Investigation Agency also reached Pahalgam to assist the local police in the probe. Security agencies have released sketches of three men suspected to be involved in the attack. The actions make it very clear that the Government of India looks at Pakistan as the perpetrator of the terrorist attack.

The Fault Lines

There is no doubt that the Indian security forces in J&K are doing extraordinary work in maintaining law and, order and security in the sensitive region. They have made immense sacrifices in the conduct of their national responsibility and continue to do so. However, when something like the Pahalgam incident happens, it becomes necessary to identify the fault lines and plug them.

The Way Ahead

The first and foremost requirement is to look after the families of our brother citizens who have lost their lives in this senseless and immoral violence. The Union and State Governments should, of course, do their bit, but more importantly, they should get support from the entire nation.

The next issue of importance is the re-establishment of the authority of the state in Kashmir. The sooner things are brought back to normal, the better. Media and social media have a big role to play in this regard. Let there be a flow of credible and fact-based information only. Cancellation of visits to Kashmir will exhibit a lack of national will. These should be avoided, and more visits should be planned.

All nations have condemned the attack and extended full support to India in its fight against terrorism. This support, along with the current global stature that India enjoys, gives the government leverage to take dynamic decisions to deal with such misadventures by inimical forces. This leverage needs to be optimally utilised.

The first few steps, as listed above, exhibit a mature and nuanced response. The national expectation, however, is of actions that cause physical punishment to the perpetrators for this horrendous act. There is a palpable anger in the national mindset due to the recurring acts of Pakistan-sponsored violence that has religious bias. The call is for a more permanent solution, even if it means taking some extreme steps.

The region thrives on tourism, hence, creating an environment suitable for the same is the responsibility of the people more than the government. Kashmiris have to take on the responsibility of dealing with radical elements within their society on their own shoulders.