Reality of Pahalgam Attack | Who is Failing India? | GalacticWanderer.In

A Tragic Incident in Mini Switzerland

In the serene Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, often referred to as India’s “Mini Switzerland,” a horrific terrorist attack shook the nation to its core. On this tragic day, at least 26 lives were lost, and 17 others were injured. The victims, all male, included 24 Hindus, one Muslim, and one Christian, targeted specifically for their religious identities. Among them were tourists from various regions, such as Neeraj Udhwani from Jaipur, Sudeep Neupane from Nepal, and local mule handler Syed Adil Hussain Shah from Pahalgam.

The high-altitude location, accessible only by hiking or mule, posed significant challenges for rescue operations. Helicopters were deployed, while locals heroically used mules to transport the injured to safety. Twelve tourists were admitted to Pahalgam Hospital, where doctors reported their conditions as stable.

Victims of a Heinous Crime

The attack claimed the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang from Arunachal Pradesh, Intelligence Bureau Section Officer Manish Ranjan from Bihar, and 26-year-old Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Haryana, who was on his honeymoon, were among the victims. Narwal, married just six days prior, left behind a grieving widow. Eyewitness accounts, including one from Pune-based HR professional Asavari, revealed the chilling reality: terrorists demanded victims recite Islamic verses, shooting those who could not comply.

“He said he doesn’t look Muslim and shot him,” a survivor recounted, highlighting the brutal religious targeting.

The Perpetrators and Intelligence Failures

The Resistant Front (TRF), a shadow group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. Designated a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), TRF is suspected to have been led by Lashkar’s top commander, Saifullah Kasuri. Initial probes suggest 4–6 terrorists, including two Kashmiri youths who infiltrated from Pakistan, carried out the attack. Sketches of three Pakistani suspects have been released by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Disturbingly, reports indicate prior intelligence inputs about terrorist movements in early April, yet the attack occurred. This raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures, reminiscent of the 2019 Pulwama attack, where detailed intelligence warnings failed to prevent tragedy. Despite inputs about potential “Fidayeen” attacks and IED blasts, systemic lapses allowed the Pulwama attack to unfold. The Pahalgam attack prompts similar concerns: why were preventive measures inadequate despite actionable intelligence?

A Pattern of Security Challenges

Since 2016, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed repeated terrorist attacks, including the Nagrota Army Base attack (2016), Amarnath Yatra attack (2017), Sunjuwan Military Station attack (2018), Pulwama attack (2019), and Reasi attack (2024). A shortage of over 100,000 army personnel, coupled with plans to reduce troop strength to cut costs, exacerbates the issue. Overworked police forces and inadequate training further strain law enforcement capabilities.

The government’s responsibility to secure borders and prevent infiltration remains under scrutiny. As one citizen poignantly asked, “How do foreign infiltrators enter Indian territories when the central government controls the borders?” The lack of accountability, coupled with media reluctance to question government failures, leaves citizens searching for answers.

Media and Political Narratives

While the nation mourns, certain media outlets and political narratives have deflected accountability. Some have blamed judicial decisions, such as the Supreme Court’s review of Article 370, rather than addressing security lapses. Social media posts by political groups, like one from BJP Chhattisgarh, have been criticized for exploiting the tragedy to fuel religious division. Such actions align with the terrorists’ agenda of sowing discord and hatred among communities.

“They asked for the religion, not the caste. We’ll remember,” read a controversial post, highlighting divisive rhetoric over unity.

A Call for Unity

Despite the pain, the response from ordinary citizens and communities across India has been inspiring. Kashmiris observed a shutdown in mourning, while candlelight marches and protests underscored unity. Prominent Muslim organizations, including Jamat-Ulama-e-Hind, condemned the attack, with 550,000 mosques delivering anti-terror messages during Friday prayers. Muslim-majority countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar also expressed solidarity.

The terrorists’ goal is to fracture India along religious lines, pitting Hindus against Muslims. However, true patriotism lies in rejecting this divisive agenda. Indians—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Brahmin, Dalit, Haryanvi, Marathi—must stand together against violence, whether driven by religion, caste, or language. Every act of violence, from terrorist attacks to caste-based discrimination, weakens the nation.

Long Live Indian Unity! Say it loud and clear: Jai Hind!

Moving Forward

The government must act swiftly to punish those responsible and implement robust measures to prevent future attacks. Citizens deserve assurance that their safety is a priority. Doubling police personnel, improving training, and addressing army shortages are critical steps toward better security. Meanwhile, the media must hold power accountable rather than perpetuating divisive narratives.

As a nation, we must rise above hatred and propaganda. The victims of Pahalgam, like Vinay Narwal, Neeraj Udhwani, and Syed Adil Hussain Shah, were sons, husbands, and fathers—cherished by their families. Their lives were no less valuable than those of VIPs who receive elite security. The question remains: why are the lives of common citizens treated as expendable?

Let us honor the victims by fostering peace, progress, and unity. Against terrorism and hatred, let our collective voice resound: Long Live Indian Unity!