Published Apr 29, 2025 | 1:14 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 29, 2025 | 1:14 PM
The journey from Pulwama to Pahalgam underscores the evolving nature of terrorism in India and the persistent challenges in ensuring national security. Reports said the M4 carbine rifles used at Pahalgam might have reached the terrorists via Afghanistan. (Representational photo/USAF/Creative Commons).
Synopsis: The journey from Pulwama to Pahalgam underscores the evolving nature of terrorism in India and the persistent challenges in ensuring national security. While military and intelligence responses are crucial, a holistic approach that includes political will, community involvement, and international cooperation is essential.
Over the past decade, India has faced a series of devastating terrorist attacks that have not only claimed innocent lives but also exposed vulnerabilities in the nation’s security apparatus. From the heart-wrenching Pulwama attack in 2019 to the recent massacre in Pahalgam, these incidents have underscored the persistent threat of terrorism and the challenges in safeguarding national security.
On 14 February 2019, a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 40 personnel. The attack, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, marked one of the deadliest in the region and led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, culminating in the Balakot airstrikes.
The incident exposed significant intelligence lapses and raised questions about the preparedness of security forces. Questions are still raised when many of the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack are still at large, even the police officer Davinder Singh arrested for ferrying terrorist were given bail as the FIR was not strong enough. How could this happen, and who was helping him? These questions highlight the inability of the NIA and other investigating agencies.
Pulwama was not the only terrorist attack that happened after the BJP-led government came to power at the Center. Remember the words of Amit Shah in 2014, “When Modi is the prime minister, Pak intruders won’t dare to cross the border.” Unfortunately, those words remain as an unfulfilled promise.
The government was more interested in milking those incidents to win elections rather than taking concrete measures to counter terrorist activities, in Modi’s words, “Apta me Avsar.”
Gurdaspur attack, 2015: On 27 July, three gunmen dressed in army uniforms attacked a bus and a police station in Gurdaspur, Punjab, killing 10 people, including civilians and police officers. The assailants were eventually neutralised after a prolonged gunfight.
Pathankot airbase attack, 2016: On 2 January, militants breached the high-security Pathankot Air Force Station, leading to a three-day standoff that resulted in the deaths of seven security personnel and four attackers. The attack was attributed to Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Uri attack, 2016: On 18 September, four terrorists attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 soldiers. The attack led to India’s surgical strikes across the Line of Control.
Pahalgam attack, 2025: On 22 April, militants targeted tourists at Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals and one from Nepal, and injuring over 20 others. The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, citing opposition to alleged demographic changes in Kashmir.
The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, aimed to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India. However, it also led to increased unrest and a surge in local terrorism. Groups like The Resistance Front have emerged, leveraging local grievances and employing hybrid tactics that blend conventional and guerrilla warfare. The recent Pahalgam attack, targeting tourists, indicates a shift in strategy to disrupt the region’s economy and communal harmony.
The Indian government’s response to terrorism has often been marked by strong rhetoric and decisive actions, such as surgical strikes and air raids. However, I feel, while these actions serve as immediate deterrents, they do not address the underlying issues fueling militancy. The politicisation of national security, especially during elections, has also been a point of contention, with calls for a more nuanced and sustained approach to counterterrorism.
The Pahalgam attack stands out not just for its brutality but also for its symbolic implications. Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty and as a hub for tourism, represents the potential for peace and economic revival in Kashmir. By targeting tourists, militants aimed to instill fear, disrupt the local economy, and challenge narratives of normalcy returning to the region. The attack has led to a significant drop in tourist arrivals, impacting livelihoods and reinforcing the militants’ objectives.
To address the multifaceted threat of terrorism, India must:
• Enhance intelligence capabilities: Invest in advanced surveillance technologies and improve inter-agency coordination.
• Community engagement: Foster trust with local populations through development initiatives and by addressing grievances.
• Counter-radicalisation programmes: Implement educational and vocational programs aimed at preventing youth from being lured into militancy.
• Diplomatic efforts: Engage with international partners to isolate and sanction entities supporting terrorism.
The journey from Pulwama to Pahalgam underscores the evolving nature of terrorism in India and the persistent challenges in ensuring national security. While military and intelligence responses are crucial, a holistic approach that includes political will, community involvement, and international cooperation is essential.
The government also must take the Opposition and major political parties into confidence on the action initiated against the terrorist groups and their supporters, Only through sustained and inclusive efforts can India hope to restore trust, ensure peace, and safeguard its citizens from the scourge of terrorism.
(Vijay Thottathil is the President of INCAS, Kozhikode district, and a member of the Congress Digital Media Cell. Views are personal. Edited by Majnu Babu).
