The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a jewel in Kashmir’s crown and a beloved destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, has once again torn through the fragile fabric of peace in the valley. This act of terror, targeting both security forces and innocent civilians, is not just an assault on the physical safety of the region — it is an attack on the very idea of a peaceful, pluralistic Kashmir. And behind this horror, as always, lurks the shadowy hand of Pakistan’s military-intelligence establishment.

Pahalgam is more than a geographical location. It is a symbol — of serenity, of interfaith harmony, of the enduring spirit of Kashmiris who continue to live and love despite decades of bloodshed. When a place like Pahalgam bleeds, it is not merely a local tragedy. It is a calculated attempt to disrupt the larger narrative of normalcy returning to the region.
Let us be clear: this attack, like countless others before it, bears the hallmarks of cross-border terrorism. The fingerprints of Pakistan’s military-run terror apparatus are unmistakable. For too long, the Pakistani army and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have acted as both godfathers and guardians of terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen — outfits that exist solely to wage a proxy war in Kashmir.
Under the guise of supporting “freedom movements,” the Pakistani military has institutionalized terror, funding and training militants to infiltrate Indian borders, disturb peace, and murder innocents. It is a cynical, brutal strategy — one that seeks to keep Kashmir in eternal turmoil, even as Pakistan itself teeters under the weight of internal instability and economic ruin.
What is most damning is the double game Pakistan continues to play on the world stage. It positions itself as a victim of terrorism while actively exporting it. It seeks international aid and sympathy, while diverting resources into maintaining terror camps on its soil. This duplicity is no longer a diplomatic nuance — it is a dangerous hypocrisy that demands international condemnation and action.
India has paid a steep price for this sustained campaign of terror. Our brave security forces continue to sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. Our civilians continue to suffer, grieve, and rebuild. Yet, the global response has often been tepid — more concerned with geopolitical balances than with justice or moral clarity.
The time for polite diplomacy is over. The world must stop turning a blind eye to the fact that Pakistan’s military is not just complicit, but instrumental in fostering terrorism. If the international community is serious about combating terror, it must start by holding state sponsors accountable. Sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and cutting off financial support to Pakistan’s military establishment must be on the table.
At the same time, India must continue to strengthen its internal security mechanisms, invest in community resilience, and pursue a vision for Kashmir that goes beyond militarization — a vision rooted in development, justice, and inclusion.
The attack on Pahalgam should shake our collective conscience. It is a reminder that the battle against terrorism is far from over, and that the cost of complacency is paid in blood. It is also a call — for India to remain vigilant, for the world to stand with us, and above all, for truth to be spoken about those who fund and fuel the fires of extremism.
The time has come to call out the real enemy by name. The world must no longer allow the Pakistani military to hide behind diplomatic niceties while it engineers chaos from the shadows. Kashmir deserves peace — and peace can only be secured when its enemies are held to account.