Introduction
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, left 26 people dead and scores wounded. Most of the victims were tourists. The attack was a meticulously planned operation. It was enabled by Pakistan-based terrorists and local Kashmiri cadres. This article explores the attack’s conception, motivations, and aftermath. The valley has been gripped by massive fallout ever since.
The Infiltration: Aided by Local Cadres
The NIA and Jammu & Kashmir Police investigated the attack. They found it was masterminded by two Pakistani nationals, Hashim Musa and Ali Bhai. A local Kashmiri, Adil Hussain Thoker, was also involved. Musa and Ali infiltrated India via Samba and Kathua sectors. Thoker was radicalized in college and received terrorist training in Pakistan in 2018. He acted as the local guide and logistics coordinator.
Crucially, this infiltration and subsequent attack would not have been possible without the active assistance of at least 15 local overground workers (OGWs) and terror aides. These individuals arranged logistics, provided shelter, procured arms consignments from Pakistan and guided the terrorists through the treacherous terrain. Security agencies have intercepted chats among detained OGWs discussing how to ‘Help’ the Pakistani terrorists in Pahalgam, further confirming the deep local involvement.
The Grueling Trek and Detailed Reconnaissance
After entering Kashmir, the terrorists embarked on a 22-hour trek through harsh, mountainous terrain from Kokernag to the remote Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam. Once there, they conducted an extensive recce, meticulously studying the geography, tourist flow and security response times. For instance, they learned that the nearest Rashtriya Rifles unit would take about 40-45 minutes to reach the closest roadhead, followed by another 30-35 minutes of trekking to the meadow. The CRPF would take at least an hour to respond. This knowledge allowed them to plan the timing and execution of the attack for maximum impact and to design escape routes.
The Attack: Calculated, Brutal and Meant to Divide
On April 22, coinciding with US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India, the terrorists struck. Eyewitnesses and a crucial video recorded by a photographer perched atop a tree have helped reconstruct the sequence: two terrorists emerged from behind shops, ordering victims to recite the Kalma before shooting four people dead at point-blank range. Panic ensued and two more terrorists appeared from the zipline area, gunning down more innocent civilians. The attackers used AK-47s and US-made M4 carbines, weapons that further point to sophisticated external support.
This deliberate targeting of Hindu tourists was designed to inflame communal tensions and provoke a backlash, threatening the fragile peace between Hindu and Muslim communities in the valley and the Indian mainland.
Motivation: Pakistan’s Frustration and the ‘Munir Doctrine’
The attack came as a direct result of Pakistan’s frustration at Kashmir’s recent peace and economic progress. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the region has witnessed a tourism boom, economic growth and improved communal harmony. This ‘Peace Dividend’ has undermined Pakistan’s long-standing proxy war strategy, which depends on unrest and terrorism.
Intelligence sources and investigative reports point to a hardened ‘Munir Doctrine’-named after Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir-which aims to reignite violence in Kashmir, disrupt economic progress and break the growing bond of Hindu-Muslim unity. The attack was also timed to embarrass India on the global stage and to draw international attention back to the Kashmir issue.
Massive Security Crackdown and Diplomatic Fallout
In the wake of the attack, security forces launched an unprecedented crackdown. The houses of six terrorists or their associates-including Adil Thoker in Bijbehara and Asif Sheikh in Tral-have been destroyed. Over 175 suspects have been detained and raids continue across Anantnag and Srinagar, with police targeting 63 known terrorist aides. The NIA is meticulously examining forensic evidence, digital footprints, and eyewitness accounts, including those of an Indian Army officer who was present during the attack.
Despite intensive combing operations, the terrorists have managed to evade capture, thanks to the dense forests and timely alerts from local contacts. Security forces have reportedly come close to cornering the attackers at least four times, even exchanging fire, but the thick terrain and local support have allowed the terrorists to slip away.
Meanwhile, India has taken a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism. The attack has further strained already tense relations between the two countries.
The Human and Economic Cost
The attack has left the entire region in mourning. Pahalgam residents, united in grief and outrage, have held peaceful protests, condemned the violence and vowed to protect tourists. The local economy, heavily dependent on tourism, has suffered a severe blow, with widespread cancellations and fear among travelers. Many families who had hoped that tourism would bring prosperity and better education for their children now face deep uncertainty.
The Role of Radicalism and Hate Literature in Enabling Terrorism
The Pahalgam terror attack brings to light a profound and deeply rooted issue that continues to plague Kashmir. The pervasive spread of radicalism and religious extremism. A growing undercurrent of radical ideology has been steadily permeating various segments of the society. It is creating an environment conducive to recruitment, garnering local support, and fostering sympathy towards terrorist elements. This radicalization is often propagated through the dissemination of hate literature. Also through delivery of inflammatory sermons & circulation of extremist propaganda that plays a pivotal role in enabling terrorists to secure safe havens. Also it helps them in identifying local guides, as starkly illustrated by the recent attack.
Role of Local OGWs
Investigations into the Pahalgam attack have revealed that local overground workers (OGWs) who facilitated the terrorists were often influenced by radical beliefs that glorify violence and martyrdom. These individuals not only provided logistical support but also helped the terrorists navigate the difficult terrain and evade security forces. Such local complicity underscores how extremist narratives have seeped into segments of the population, undermining social cohesion and security. The unchecked circulation of hate literature and radical content-whether in print, online, or through informal religious gatherings-has exacerbated communal divides and fostered an environment where violence is justified in the name of religion. This dangerous ideology not only threatens the lives of innocent civilians but also jeopardizes the hard-earned peace and economic progress in Kashmir.
Need of Measures to Curb Radicalism
In light of these realities, there is an urgent need for stringent measures to curb the spread of radicalism. Authorities must intensify efforts to identify, ban, and confiscate literature and media that promote hatred, religious intolerance and violence. Furthermore, those involved in producing, distributing or endorsing such material must be held accountable through arrests. There is dire need for legal action under existing laws like Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Information Technology Act. Equally important is role of community leaders, educators and religious scholars in countering extremist narratives. They must be promoting messages of peace, harmony and coexistence. Educational reforms that emphasize critical thinking, secular values and interfaith dialogue can help inoculate younger generations against radical influences. The Pahalgam attack is a stark reminder that terrorism is not just a security challenge but also a battle of ideas. Combating radicalism is crucial. Hate speech must be tackled. This helps dismantle terrorist support networks. It safeguards Kashmir’s future. Kashmir should be peaceful, prosperous and inclusive.
Kashmir’s Response: Unity and Resilience
Despite the tragedy, Kashmiris have demonstrated remarkable unity. The valley observed a complete shutdown in protest, with people from all communities joining hands to demand justice and peace. Religious leaders have condemned the killings, emphasizing that such acts are against the core values of Islam and Kashmiri culture. Locals have extended a heartfelt invitation to tourists, assuring them of their safety and the region’s enduring hospitality.
Exposing Local Support for Terrorism
The Pahalgam terror attack shows that foreign terrorists and local support are involved. Pakistan can’t accept Kashmir’s peace and progress. The attack aimed to disrupt progress and incite violence. Kashmir’s people are united and resilient. Robust security operations offer hope for peace. The valley will prevail over those who seek to destroy it.
