Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Nation’s Resolve for Decisive Retaliation
By Satendra Singh
The serene and picturesque valley of Pahalgam, often described as one of the most beautiful regions in the world, was recently shaken by a gruesome terrorist attack that claimed the lives of several Indian soldiers. This cowardly act, widely believed to be orchestrated by Pakistan-sponsored terror outfits, is not an isolated incident. It is yet another bloody chapter in the long and ongoing proxy war being waged against India—targeting not only its territory but also its sovereignty, economy, and collective national psyche.
What makes this particular attack more significant is its timing, its message, and the resounding call it has ignited across India: a demand for decisive retaliation. From political corridors to military establishments, from intellectual circles to grieving families, there is a growing consensus—India must no longer be reactive; it must lead with proactive, multidimensional strategies.
For decades, Pakistan has used terrorism as a tool of state policy. The recent Pahalgam incident is yet another manifestation of this strategy. Much like the attacks on the Indian Parliament, Mumbai (26/11), Uri, Pulwama, and countless others, the assault on the army convoy in South Kashmir reflects a familiar but evolving pattern of cross-border terrorism. These acts are not merely militant operations; they are strategic moves aimed at sabotaging India's peace, progress, and international image.
Following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, Jammu & Kashmir witnessed unprecedented political and developmental transformation. Infrastructure projects surged, tourist footfalls reached record highs, and the local population began embracing new opportunities. It is precisely this return to normalcy and growth that Pakistan's military establishment cannot tolerate.
As per national security experts, such attacks are deliberately timed to coincide with India’s strides towards stability in the region. They are designed to instill fear, disrupt progress, and project an illusion of volatility that can justify international interference—something Pakistan has long lobbied for on the global stage.
The economic damage caused by the Pahalgam attack is already being felt. In recent years, Kashmir had emerged as one of India's top domestic tourist destinations. With over 2.96 crore tourists visiting the Union Territory in 2024 alone, the valley had begun its journey from subsidy-dependence to economic self-reliance through tourism and allied services.
Small business owners, transport operators, hoteliers, and artisans were reaping the rewards of this boom. However, the terror strike has led to a wave of mass cancellations and plummeting hotel bookings. The state’s economic confidence has been severely shaken, especially with projected tourism figures for 2025 expecting over 3 crore visitors.
The cascading impact is not limited to tourism alone. Kashmir’s slow but steady progress in education, infrastructure, electricity, and social reforms—especially in areas that had long remained backward—now faces serious threats. The youth who had just begun envisioning a future filled with employment, entrepreneurship, and peace are once again enveloped by an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear.
At the heart of this persistent conflict lies the Pakistani Army, which continues to wield unchecked influence over the country’s foreign and security policies. Historically, the military in Pakistan has flourished by maintaining the narrative of India as a perpetual threat. This justification allows it to dominate national politics, enjoy massive budgetary privileges, and silence dissent.
Any peace process initiated by civilian governments in Pakistan is quickly derailed by the army. From the Kargil intrusion during the Vajpayee-Sharif peace talks to the present-day undermining of bilateral diplomacy, the pattern is unmistakable. The Pakistani Army thrives in chaos. It views peace in Kashmir as a threat to its existence, which is why it keeps the pot boiling through its proxies—Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and other radical outfits.
Even as Pakistan grapples with an economic meltdown and political instability, it continues to fund training camps, weapons smuggling, infiltration, and ideological radicalization. This institutionalized terrorism is not a secret. It is a strategy—a hybrid war designed to bleed India with a thousand cuts without provoking a full-scale conflict.
Across India, the public reaction to the Pahalgam attack has been swift and intense. Social media platforms are flooded with outrage, not just mourning. The demand is clear—no more symbolic gestures, no more diplomatic condemnations. The people want concrete, visible, and powerful action that avenges the martyrs and deters future assaults.
This sentiment isn’t just emotional—it’s strategic. The memory of India’s responses to previous attacks remains fresh. The 2016 surgical strikes post-Uri and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes after Pulwama demonstrated India’s capability and willingness to act. These operations earned global respect and reasserted India's position as a nation that will not be bullied.
The Pahalgam attack has created a similar inflection point. The anger among citizens is not transient. It is rooted in a collective memory of loss and resilience. The time for mourning is over—it is time to act.
India's response to the Pahalgam tragedy must be multi-pronged. While military retaliation is one pillar, the fight must extend to economic, diplomatic, technological, and ideological fronts.
India must revisit its strategy on cross-border operations. Surgical and airstrikes should be calibrated and decisive, with real-time intelligence support. Retaliation must be swift and cost-intensive for the enemy.
In the digital age, cyberattacks can paralyze enemy infrastructure without firing a bullet. India must invest heavily in cyber capabilities to sabotage terror financing, communications, and propaganda networks.
Pakistan’s role in global terrorism must be relentlessly exposed at platforms like the UN, G20, and FATF. Nations that support or ignore its actions should be diplomatically pressured to change course.
Intelligence gathering needs modernization. Coordination between central and state agencies must improve. Delays in legal proceedings related to terrorism cases demoralize victims and security forces alike.
India must win the war of perception. It must tell the stories of its brave soldiers, of resilient Kashmiris, and of communities that choose development over guns. Social media and public diplomacy should be used to counter radical propaganda with powerful, human stories
.
It is important to recognize that terrorism cannot be fought by the state alone. Civil society, especially religious and community leaders, must play a vital role. In particular, the Indian Muslim community must be empowered to vocally reject radical ideologies. Their participation is crucial in debunking the narrative that falsely links terrorism with faith.
It is unjust and dangerous to blame entire communities for the actions of a few. However, silent spectatorship cannot be an option either. Collective condemnation, community education, and social outreach are powerful tools in this ideological battle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement—“India will not spare a single terrorist and their supporters. The price will be very high…”—resonated deeply with the nation. But words must be followed by action. The credibility of the government, particularly in an election year, rests not just on development statistics but on how effectively it safeguards national security.
The Indian leadership must now demonstrate strategic consistency. Emotional appeals and short-term operations are not enough. What is needed is a long-term doctrine, political will, bureaucratic efficiency, and judicial promptness.
At this critical juncture, silence or delay would be interpreted as weakness—not just by Pakistan, but by the global community and by India’s own citizens.
The Pahalgam terror attack is a wake-up call. It is a test of India’s resolve, unity, and leadership. The enemy is not just the militant who pulls the trigger but the system that nurtures him—from the training camps in Pakistan to the ideological indoctrination of youth.
India stands at a crossroad. One path leads to another cycle of condemnations and martyrdom. The other leads to justice, deterrence, and lasting peace. The choice, as history will record, belongs to this generation of Indians.
We must not forget. We must not forgive. We must retaliate—strategically, decisively, and with an unwavering commitment to protect every inch of our soil and every citizen of our nation.
