India and Indians are reeling in shock after the dastardly terror attack targeting innocent tourists in Kashmir, with at least 28 reported dead and many more injured. Terrorists dressed as security forces merged with the crowds and then pulled out the men and shot them dead according to the first reports. What was to be a holiday in the exquisite mountains of Kashmir- Baisaran in Pahalgam– turned into a blood stained tragedy with the survivors and relatives of those killed, in complete shock and grief. Bereft. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Jeddah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to the state to hold immediate consultations with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, messages of grief and condolences and solidarity poured in from world leaders.
The brutal killings have come after a relative respite from violence in Kashmir. Tourism has gone up, and Kashmir is back as a holiday destination for India. Some outfit calling itself the Resistance Front has claimed responsibility for the attack that carries shades of the Chittisinghpura massacre, 25 years ago in 2000.
As the investigation continues, and details emerge, it is imperative now for the authorities to understand that terrorism has returned to the Valley. And the counter to this lies in strict security, solid investigation, and aggressive diplomacy that identifies and isolates these terror groups. If Pakistan is involved, as the initial reports suggest, strong international pressure has to be brought onto the neighbouring country in a manner from which there is no escape. As the involvement of Pakistan suggests a re-grouping of scattered terror groups in that country, and a breach through which the flailing neighbour has managed to breach Indian security.
So far the fingers are pointing at the Lashkar e Tayaba, nurtured and fed by Pakistan, with local authorities tracing the Resistance Front as an offshoot. The daring ruthlessness smacks of LeT and such groups that operate out of Pakistan who have thrown Kashmir to the precipice of disaster in the past. Islamabad has to be made accountable.
It is thus imperative for India to remain united and strong and New Delhi will have to ensure that the temptation for some to give the attack an internal twist is resisted. Efforts by misguided persons to stoke communal fires to pillory Indian Muslims who have had no dealings with terrorism have to be nipped in the bud as it were by the governments– Centre and State— and strong action taken against those who cross this sensitive line. Unity of all is essential to effectively isolate and counter terrorism, and generate sufficient pressure that cross border terrorism is extinguished. Pakistan is in deep turmoil and the military clearly is encouraged to keep its terrorist stable alive. India with the strength of its people, and the support of the world, has to ensure that Islamabad — more so Rawalpindi– is pressured to end this before more innocent people are killed.
Terrorists create violence, and feel more confident in an environment where violence rules. Unfortunately, the world is consumed by war and conflict these days and this gives a fillip to those who live by the gun. India will in all probability, take a closer look at Afghanistan as well where the Taliban have been brought back by the United States, and today controls the country. Different insurgencies tend to merge together to make statements in blood and Kashmir, unfortunately, has always been a target from within and without.