• The Daily Hints
• 27 Apr, 2025

On April 22nd, 2025 a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley claimed 26 lives and injured 17, shaking India to its core. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-E-Taiba, targeted tourists based on religion, exposing shocking security gaps. With prior intelligence ignored, no police or army presence and locals left to rescue victims, this tragedy mirrors the 2019 Pulwama attack. Inspired by Dhruv Rathee’s bold questions, we dive into why common citizens are left vulnerable while VIPs enjoy elite protection. Who’s failing India.?

Details & Context

Baisaran Valley, a picturesque tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir, became a scene of horror when 4-6 terrorists attacked unsuspecting visitors. The high-altitude location, reachable only by hiking or mule, had no security forces nearby. Eyewitnesses described chilling scenes: terrorists asked victims to recite Islamic verses or checked IDs to identify non-Muslims. The 26 victims included 24 Hindus, one Christian and one Muslim local, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a mule handler who tried to help. Among the dead were Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang, Intelligence Bureau officer Manish Ranjan and Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who was on his honeymoon just six days after his wedding.

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Helicopters airlifted the injured, while locals used mules to carry victims to safety. Twelve tourists were stabilised at Pahalgam Hospital. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating and J&K Police released sketches of three suspected Pakistani terrorists: Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha. Intelligence reports had warned of terrorist activity in early April, yet no action was taken. X posts reflect public anger, with one user stating, “Pahalgam attack shows intelligence was there but no follow-up. Why is Home Minister Amit Shah silent.?” Another criticised the lack of security in a tourist hotspot, echoing Dhruv Rathee’s call for accountability.

Quotes

·      Asavari, Pune resident: “They asked my father to recite Islamic verses. He couldn’t and they shot him. No police, no army—only locals helped us.”

·      Vinay Narwal’s sister: “My brother was alive for 1.5 hours but no one came. The army could’ve saved him.!”

·      Omar Abdullah, J&K CM: “These attackers are inhuman. No words can condemn them enough.”

·      Dhruv Rathee (paraphrased): “Intelligence inputs were ignored in Pulwama and now in Pahalgam. Why do these attacks keep happening.? Who’s responsible.?”

Additional Information

The Resistance Front (TRF), a UAPA-designated terrorist group, aims to disrupt peace in Kashmir, particularly after the 2019 Article 370 revocation. Intelligence suggests TRF’s commander Saifullah Kasuri planned the attack, possibly with two Kashmiri youths who infiltrated from Pakistan. The Indian Express reported that terrorists scouted Pahalgam hotels weeks earlier, yet security remained absent. This isn’t new—Pulwama’s 2019 attack saw 11 ignored intelligence inputs, revealing a pattern of inaction.

India’s security forces are stretched thin. The Army faces a shortage of 8,400 officers and 92,400 soldiers, worsened by no recruitment during COVID and plans to cut 200,000 troops to save costs. Meanwhile, VIPs like Mukesh Ambani receive Z-plus security with 55 personnel including NSG commandos funded by taxpayers. X users have highlighted this disparity, with one post reading, “Why do billionaires get NSG protection but tourists in Pahalgam get nothing.?” The attack’s timing, during US VP JD Vance’s visit, suggests an intent to humiliate India globally.

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Impact Analysis

The attack has crippled Kashmir’s tourism industry which generates 7% of the region’s GDP. Bookings have plummeted and locals fear economic ruin. Protests, shutdowns and candlelight vigils across Kashmir show solidarity but communal tensions are rising. BJP’s Chhattisgarh unit posted, “They asked for religion, not caste,” sparking accusations of exploiting the tragedy to divide Hindus and Muslims. X users called it “disgusting,” noting it fuels the terrorists’ agenda of religious hatred.

Diplomatically, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked Pakistani visas, escalating tensions. Global leaders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the US condemned the attack while Indian Muslim groups like Jamat-Ulama-E-Hind denounced terrorism with 550,000 mosques delivering anti-terror messages. The attack exposes the government’s “Kashmir is normal” narrative as false, with opposition leaders demanding answers for security failures.

The Pahalgam attack is a painful wake-up call. Ignored intelligence, absent security and a focus on VIP protection over common citizens reveal deep flaws in India’s security system. Dhruv Rathee’s question—why do terrorist attacks persist.?—demands answers. The government must strengthen intelligence, recruit more troops and prioritise public safety. Division only helps terrorists, unity is India’s strength. Let’s reject hate and stand together for a safer future.

Call to Action (CTA)

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