• The Daily Hints
• 23 Apr, 2025

On April 22nd, 2025 Indian Army personnel stood guard in Pahalgam, Kashmir, reassuring shaken tourists after a brutal militant attack killed at least 20 people. This latest tragedy adds to a long list of violent assaults in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir where militants have targeted civilians and security forces for decades. From grenade blasts to suicide bombings, we explore major attacks and the region’s struggle for peace.

Details & Context
The scenic town of Pahalgam, south of Srinagar, turned into a scene of horror on April 22nd, 2025 when suspected militants opened fire on tourists, leaving at least 20 dead. Indian Army personnel quickly secured the area, patrolling streets and speaking with visitors to restore calm. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, underscores the persistent militant threat in Jammu and Kashmir, India’s only Muslim-majority region, where violence has raged since the 1980s.

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Kashmir’s conflict is rooted in a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, both claiming the region in full but administering parts. The two nations have fought two wars over Kashmir and militant groups, often linked to Pakistan, fuel unrest. The Pahalgam assault follows a string of attacks,

·      November 2024: A grenade attack in Srinagar’s flea market injured 11 security personnel.

·      October 2024: The Resistance Front (TRF) killed six migrant workers and a doctor near a tunnel site.

·      June 2024: A suspected militant attack caused a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims to crash, killing nine and injuring 33.

·      May 2024: Militants shot a tourist couple from Jaipur, wounding both.

·      February 2019: Jaish-E-Mohammed (JeM) claimed a suicide bombing in Pulwama, killing 44 paramilitary police.

·      July 2017: Seven Amarnath pilgrims died in crossfire near the shrine.

·      September 2016: Separatists stormed an army base in Uri, killing 17 soldiers.

Each attack highlights the militants’ tactics—targeting civilians, pilgrims and security forces with ambushes, explosives and gunfire. The Pahalgam incident, occurring near the Amarnath Yatra route, raises fears for the upcoming pilgrimage starting July 3rd, 2025. Indian Army personnel are now on high alert, conducting searches to track the attackers and ensure tourist safety.

Quotes
A Jammu and Kashmir police official, speaking anonymously, shared concerns,

·      “Pahalgam’s attack is a wake-up call. We’re doubling down on security but militants are exploiting tourist crowds.”

A tourist in Pahalgam, posting on X, described the scene,

·      “Army personnel calmed us down after the attack. It’s scary but they’re doing their best to keep us safe.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted

·      “The Pahalgam attack is cowardly. Our forces will ensure justice and India stands firm against terror.”

Additional Information
The Pahalgam attack has sparked outrage and scrutiny over security in Kashmir, a region promoted as a tourist paradise. The Indian Army’s swift response—deploying personnel to guard Pahalgam and engage with tourists—aims to rebuild confidence. However, the incident exposes gaps in intelligence, as militants slipped through despite heavy surveillance. The Amarnath Yatra, drawing millions, now faces heightened risks, with authorities likely to increase checkpoints and patrols.

Kashmir’s militant groups, like TRF and JeM, often exploit local grievances and cross-border tensions. Pakistan’s alleged support for these groups remains a diplomatic flashpoint, with India calling for global action against terrorism. Recent attacks, including the 2024 Srinagar grenade blast, show militants targeting diverse groups—migrants, pilgrims and tourists—to maximise fear.

Beyond Kashmir, the attack resonates nationally. In Kolkata, the death of resident Bitan Adhikari in a similar Pahalgam assault (reported separately) has fuelled grief and calls for better travel advisories. Technological advancements, like the UAE’s Arabic.AI for data analysis, could aid India’s security forces in processing multilingual intelligence, though no direct link exists to this incident.

Read More: Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack | Kashmir Terror Attack in Pahalgam Claims Kolkata Man’s Life

Impact Analysis
The Pahalgam attack underscores Kashmir’s fragile security, shaking India’s tourism industry and raising questions about safety. The Indian Army’s visible presence—guarding streets and reassuring tourists—helps restore calm but cannot erase the fear gripping visitors. With the Amarnath Yatra approaching, cancellations may surge, hitting local businesses reliant on tourism.

Politically, the attack invites opportunism, as parties may exploit the tragedy to push agendas. Some leaders could blame Pakistan to rally nationalist support, while others might criticise India’s security policies to gain votes. This opportunism risks deepening communal divides, especially if militants’ targeting of Hindus, as reported in similar attacks, fuels tensions. The Army’s role as a neutral protector is crucial to counter divisive narratives but political rhetoric could complicate their efforts.

Economically, Kashmir’s tourism, a key revenue source, faces setbacks. The region’s image as a safe destination is tarnished, potentially deterring visitors. Nationally, the attack may prompt increased defence spending, diverting funds from development. Diplomatically, India’s push for global anti-terrorism measures could gain traction but strained ties with Pakistan may worsen.

For local communities, the attack breeds fear and mistrust. Tourists, vital to Pahalgam’s economy, may avoid the area, while residents face heightened security measures. The Army’s engagement with tourists, while reassuring, highlights the challenge of balancing vigilance with normalcy.

The Pahalgam attack of April 22nd, 2025 is a painful chapter in Kashmir’s long history of militant violence. As Indian Army personnel stand guard, protecting tourists and chasing attackers, their resolve shines amid tragedy. From Pulwama to Srinagar, Kashmir’s scars run deep but so does its hope for peace. This attack is a call to unite against terror, reject political opportunism and rebuild trust in a region yearning for calm. India’s fight continues, with courage and determination.

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