The brutal terror attack in Baisaran Valley at Pahalgam, Kashmir has again ignited a possible clash between old rivals India and Pakistan. The attack which saw over 25 people brutally being killed has been condemned by people across India and the nations. With terrorists, with US made weapons undertaking the brutality, it is clear that their focus has shifted from Afghanistan to India. The incident is a blow to the only major revenue stream of the people of Kashmir, tourism, as it can dampen the spirit of those wanting to visit there.
Understanding the terrorist act in Baisaran Valley can lead to many interesting conclusions. The fact that there were no armed security personnel in a place where tourists walk to assemble was surprising to many. Equally surprising is that the local government has nothing to do with the security as the Union Territory of Kashmir‘s security is with the Centre. And indeed the area was designated under the control of the local government security establishment and not the central forces. Top security officials reportedly said in an all party meet that they were unaware that the valley had been opened to tourists on April 20 — and that this lapse explained the absence of Army presence in the area. The area had been thrown open without police clearance, with over 1,000 visitors in just two days. Social media and even the official government tourism website have been showing hundreds of photos and videos of Baisaran Valley buzzing with tourist activity well before April 20. A situation waiting to be spoiled, it seems.
The dastardly act has led to heightened tension between India and Pakistan, with ward clouds over the two countries. India has rightly acted to isolate Pakistan for its support to terror in Kashmir and even cancelled all visas of Pakistan citizens in India and further scaled down the diplomatic presence. Worst there is threat to cancel India –Pak treaty over Indus river waters, which might take a decade or so to effectively implement. But there is a tension between the two countries, which can end up a conflict any time.
However, the simmering politics between ruling BJP and Congress led opposition is another fall out to watch. While BJP camp is on an overdrive of nationalism to ostensibly cover their failure to manage security in Kashmir, Congress sees it as a political ploy aimed at the coming State elections in Bihar and other States. Caught in between are the minority groups in rest of India, though the Kashmiri Muslims have openly come out against the terrorist’s attacks, as it affects their livelihood through tourism. Islam phobia in social media has heightened as the terrorists reportedly verified the religion of the victims and also asked them to recite a Muslim prayer. The terrorists appeared to have taken a lesson from the mobs asking minorities to chant “Jai Sri Ram “in many instances of the past.
The social and political atmosphere is tense and the country can slide into a war like situation, if not checked by national and international forces. After having emerged from two years of Covid lock down when the economy is finding its feet to grow, any war or war like situation will only take us back to stagnation making the majority of people suffer. The earlier the decision makers realize that, it is good for the country. Yes, terrorism of all sorts needs to be crushed with an iron hand, but in a connected world we need to find new ways of doing it, with innovative mind sets and decisions.
