Answer

The Pahalgam terror attack (2025) targeting innocent civilians once again highlights the persistent cross-border terrorism and internal security threats in Jammu & Kashmir. While immediate security response is essential, the attack also calls for a multi-dimensional, long-term strategy that balances deterrence with inclusive development.

Security Challenges 

• Persistent Cross-Border Terrorism: Terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate from Pakistani soil.
• Local Recruitment & Radicalization: Use of social media platforms to radicalize and recruit local youth.
• Vulnerability of Soft Targets: Tourist spots and public gatherings remain vulnerable due to high civilian density and less robust security.
• Intelligence Gaps: Occasional failures in actionable intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination.
  For example: The Parliament Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2022) flagged lapses in real-time intelligence integration post major attacks.
• Border Security and Infiltration: Difficult terrain and porous borders enable infiltration of militants.
  For example: The BSF has unearthed at least five underground tunnels in Jammu in front of the India-Pakistan border in the last three years.

Strategic Opportunities

• Strengthening Counter-Terror Frameworks: Upgrading surveillance, rapid response, and multi-agency task forces.
• Diplomatic Leverage for International Isolation of Terror Sponsors: Using evidence of cross-border terror to garner international support against Pakistan.
  For example: Post-Pulwama, the UN blacklisted Masood Azhar as a global terrorist (2019).
• Regional Development Initiatives: Accelerating economic development and employment schemes in J&K to counter radicalization.
• Intelligence and Technology Modernization: Deploying advanced surveillance (drones, AI analytics) and real-time data sharing.
  For example: The Centre launched “Drone Surveillance Grid” in border districts of J&K in 2024.
• Community Engagement and De-radicalization: Promoting civic participation, inter-faith dialogue, and education reforms to reduce alienation.
  For example: Operation “Sadbhavana” by the Indian Army supports local education and healthcare in border villages.
  

Comprehensive strategy that balances deterrence with development

• International Isolation of Terror Sponsors: India can leverage international platforms to expose and isolate nations supporting terrorism.
  For example: Following the Pulwama attack in 2019, India successfully lobbied for the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council.​
• Strengthening Border Security: Enhancing surveillance and fortifying border infrastructure can prevent infiltration as per recommendations of Madhukar Gupta committee.
• Community Defense Initiatives: Reviving and empowering Village Defence Guards (VDGs) can bolster local security. These groups, comprising trained civilians, have historically played a role in countering militancy in remote areas of J&K.
• Infrastructure and Employment Programs: Accelerating development projects under initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Development Package can address economic disparities. Investments in infrastructure and job creation are vital for long-term peace.​
• Educational and De-radicalization Efforts: Implementing programs that promote education and counter extremist narratives can prevent youth radicalization. The Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, which focuses on goodwill and development in J&K, exemplifies such efforts.​
• Countering Propaganda: Developing strategic communication campaigns to counter misinformation and extremist propaganda is essential. Highlighting success stories and positive developments can shift public perception.​
  

India’s response must be firm but calibrated, combining strategic deterrence with developmental integration. A long-term solution lies in simultaneously ensuring zero-tolerance against terrorism and building inclusive peace through democratic participation, economic upliftment, and community trust-building in Kashmir.

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