Pahalgam Attack: A Deep Dive into the Kashmir Incident and the Valley's Response
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: The recent, horrific attack on tourists in Pahalgam has shaken the entire nation, prompting widespread condemnation. While India mourns, the people of Kashmir have taken to the streets, holding placards and protesting, unequivocally condemning this act of terrorism. In an insightful interview, former IPS officer Raja Aazali, who has led numerous anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, offered a comprehensive analysis of the attack's underlying causes and the current situation in Kashmir.
Attack on Kashmiri Pride and the Shifting Narrative
Mr. Aazali describes the Pahalgam attack as a "direct assault on the Kashmiri soul." Drawing parallels with the early 1990s exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, he noted, "The same ideology was used then, forcing our Kashmiri Pandit brothers to leave." He emphasizes that Kashmiris are now rejecting the narrative that they didn't protect the Pandits, highlighting the deep hurt this recent attack has inflicted on their collective pride.
He explained that the timing of the attack likely stems from several factors:
International Diplomacy: A bid to undermine India's growing influence, particularly following the Prime Minister's successful outreach to Muslim nations, exemplified by his reception in Saudi Arabia.
Kashmir's Return to Normalcy: The increasing appreciation globally that Kashmir is settling down and its people are embracing a secure future with India.
Pakistan's Internal Woes: Pakistan's escalating political, economic, and law and order crises, leading to a desperate attempt to destabilize Kashmir.
Aazali believes these factors have pushed terrorists to a new level of desperation to disrupt the peace in Kashmir.
Evolving Modus Operandi and Local Support
The terrorists' shift in tactics is evident, with Aazali pointing out their deliberate targeting of individuals based on religious identity. He states, "They identify Hindus and kill them, knowing it will cause repercussions across the country, turning Muslims against others." This, he asserts, is part of Pakistan's "thousand cuts" strategy, aiming to communalize the situation and cripple Kashmir's tourism-dependent economy.
Regarding local support for the Pahalgam incident, Aazali cautiously suggests that a local individual, who had reportedly moved to Pakistan six years ago and recently re-entered, might have assisted. However, he strongly distinguishes the current public reaction from the past. "During the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, people were scared and couldn't speak up. This time, the entire Kashmir has risen in protest and condemnation. Young and old, people are on the streets, sending a clear message: Kashmir will no longer be used as a cannon fodder for hurting India."
Beyond Livelihood: A Matter of Kashmiri Identity
Addressing the perception that Kashmiris are condemning the attack solely due to its impact on tourism, Aazali emphatically refutes this. He clarified that tourism contributes only 14-16% to Kashmir's economy, while horticulture accounts for 60%. "This isn't about the economy alone. People from remote villages, unconnected to tourism, have also come out. They are sentimentally hurt; their pride has been demolished." He asserts that those who claim Kashmiris are indifferent to casualties are playing into the enemy's hands, attempting to create divisions within India.
Security Lapses and the Path Forward
Aazali acknowledges that militants are now equipped with sophisticated technology, on par with what security forces possess. He also candidly addresses potential complacency within the security forces and a need for greater accountability at the command level. "Troops are similar everywhere. It's the commanders who must realize their responsibility and take initiatives."
Looking ahead, Aazali is optimistic. He believes that the current sentiment in Kashmir, where people are actively opposing terrorism, is a game-changer. "Without local support, insurgency cannot survive." He foresees a future where terrorists will find no local protection or assistance. With strong leadership in both the government and security forces, he believes Kashmir could be rid of this menace in a year or two.
He also touched upon the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a "big relief" for Jammu and Kashmir, even if its immediate impact on water flow is limited. On the possibility of a conventional war with Pakistan, he views it as unlikely, suggesting any action would be a "limited one" aimed at deterrence. He warned, however, that involving a "desperate" Pakistan, which has "nothing to lose," requires careful consideration.
Finally, regarding The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claiming and then retracting responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, Aazali sees this as a sign that the terrorists realize they can no longer operate without local support. Their swift retraction indicates they understand Kashmiris have turned against them.
The widespread condemnation from the people of Kashmir, he concludes, is the crucial silver lining. This support, he stresses, needs to be nurtured and appreciated by the rest of India to ensure Kashmir remains peaceful and vibrant for both locals and tourists.
