The terrorists’ brutal attack on 26 men in Baisaran, a picturesque meadow in south Kashmir, on April 22 was meticulously planned to sow discord and weaken India’s resolve. The move aimed to reverse the region’s peace and prosperity, deepen the Hindu-Muslim divide, and push the government to escalate the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi aptly summed up the terrorists’ objectives.
However, the most unexpected response came from the Kashmir Valley, which stood united against the killings. There was a shutdown in Srinagar, protests in Pahalgam, and a general sense of solidarity. Tourists, who narrowly escaped the attack, recounted how local Kashmiris helped them return to safety. The response from Kashmiris, led by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, was a significant turning point, as people in the Union Territory began to feel a stake in peace.
The abrogation of Article 370 had led to a reconciliation among the people, allowing them to experience economic well-being and normal life after years of turbulence. The opposition, while supporting the government, questioned the security lapses that occurred. The government’s official explanation at the all-party meeting on April 24 was that tour operators did not inform the police, but this explanation did not sit well with most parties.
The terrorists’ strategy was to provoke a reaction in the rest of India and deepen the Hindu-Muslim faultlines, hoping to exploit the anger of many Hindus. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the country standing as one in the face of this challenge.
The Indian leadership now faces a difficult decision: not playing into the terrorists’ hands and preventing them from deepening the communal divide. The BJP may benefit from the increased Hindu consciousness and Indian identity, while the government must deliver a message of enough is enough to Pakistan.
The crisis presents an opportunity for the Indian leadership to convert it into an uplifting opportunity. The country is united by grief, anger, and resolve, and the leadership has the chance to lead a united nation in the face of any eventuality.
Reference : https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/pahalgam-attack-protect-india-story-strong-message-pakistan-terror-9971569/
