State PCS - J & K (KAS)

• 23 Apr 2025

Pahalgam Terror Attack

Why in News? 

Terrorists launched a deadly attack in Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir, killing at least 26 people. 

• The attack’s timing coincided with the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the US Vice President J.D. Vance’s tour of India, suggests a deliberate move aimed at sending a provocative geopolitical message. 

 Key Points 

• Brutal Assault in Baisaran Meadows: 
  • Terrorists attacked a group of around 40 tourists in the Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam. 
  • Eyewitnesses said the terrorists fired with automatic rifles and small arms, and allegedly checked identities (religion) before shooting victims at close range. 
  • This is the first major terror attack targeting civilians in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. 
• Terror Group Claims Responsibility: 
  • The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack. 
  • TRF opposed the issuance of 85,000 domicile certificates to non-locals or “a pathway for demographic change.” 
  • Security agencies have not confirmed the authenticity of the claim. 
• Strategic Exploitation of Terrain: 
  • Officials stated that terrorists took advantage of Baisaran’s non-motorable terrain, delaying emergency response. 
  • The area, though remote, lies within Pahalgam’s high-security zone due to its proximity to the Amarnath shrine. 
• Consequences of the attack:  
  • Security Setback in Kashmir: 
    • The attack severely dents the narrative of normalcy and stability following the abrogation of Article 370. 
    • It raises serious concerns over the effectiveness of security measures and exposes vulnerabilities in counterterrorism efforts. 
  • Blow to Tourism and Local Economy: 
    • As a major tourist destination, Pahalgam is likely to witness a sharp decline in visitor numbers, especially during the crucial summer season. 
    • The dip in tourism will directly impact local businesses, hospitality services, and livelihoods that rely heavily on seasonal footfall. 
  • Diplomatic and International Fallout: 
    • The attack occurred during the visit of key global leaders, casting India in a light of instability and internal unrest. 
    • It risks diplomatic unease and may strengthen adversarial propaganda, particularly from Pakistan, on the international stage. 
  • Risk of Communal Polarization: 
    • The selective targeting of civilians based on identity hints at an attempt to stoke religious divisions. 
    • Such actions carry the potential to fuel communal tensions and disrupt the social fabric, which aligns with the terrorist agenda of destabilisation through fear and division. 

 The Resistance Front (TRF) 

• Formed in 2019, TRF has emerged as a significant player in the region. It is believed to be a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and has been involved in several high-profile attacks. 

 Terrorism  

• It is the deliberate and unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to instill fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological goals.  
  • It seeks to influence governments or societies by creating a climate of fear, disruption, and uncertainty. 
  • India maintains a strong stance against terrorism with a "zero tolerance" policy. 
  • However, there are no universally accepted definitions of terrorism, making it difficult to classify specific activities as terrorist acts.  
    • This ambiguity gives terrorists an advantage and enables some countries to remain silent and veto actions in global institutions.