Religious Terrorism - Is it present?

 

Emotions are running high in India following the Pahalgam incident. This attack on civilians by religious extremists stands among the most heinous acts in recent times. While some hypocrites might claim that terrorism has no religion, how else can one describe an act where civilians are targeted, interrogated about their religion, and even forced to strip to confirm circumcision? How much lower can humanity fall? Calling them "cowards" would be an understatement—they are far worse.

Nevertheless, India must respond with caution. Across social and electronic media, where sensationalism thrives, emotions are surging. Many voices are demanding war, halting of Indus water supply, and more. However, people must realize that governance—especially involving international borders—is very different from watching a movie.

Let’s review the sequence of events:

• Was Kashmir truly prepared for democratic processes, given that religious terrorism has plagued it for over 30 years, leaving an entire generation unaware of its history?
• Why did the Supreme Court impose a deadline for establishing a democratic government when conditions were still volatile? Perhaps the Court should focus on clearing its massive backlog of pending cases first.
• Kashmir had just begun to return to normalcy. After the abrogation of Article 370, residents started experiencing real inclusion, contrasting with the alienation caused by the so-called "special status."
• Tourism was flourishing, and economic conditions were improving.
• This progress alarmed certain politicians who had long exploited Kashmir's special status, siphoning off funds for personal gain at the expense of the public.
• Meanwhile, as Kashmir was healing and public sentiment was shifting positively, Pakistan found itself mired in serious crises.
• Inflation was at an all-time high; citizens struggled for basic meals; the economy was collapsing; armed rebellions plagued two of Pakistan’s four provinces; the government’s popularity plummeted; Balochistan’s unrest intensified; and despite imprisonment, the opposition leader’s party gained traction.
• Since the 1971 split, Pakistan is facing one of its gravest internal threats of fragmentation.
• Military confrontation is now seen as a solution.

History shows that nothing unites people like war. The Pakistan Army is acutely aware of this. Therefore, provoking India was a calculated move to unify its population, distract from domestic failures, garner sympathy, and dismiss logical thinking.

A small-scale war could conveniently address these internal problems, making the Pahalgam attack appear deliberate. Although Islamabad denies involvement, it’s implausible that such a major terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir occurred without support from Pakistan’s military establishment. Despite seeing India's strong responses to the Uri and Pulwama strikes, Pakistan’s Army Chief, Gen. Asim Munir, still chose to risk confrontation. This cannot be overlooked. The attack was meticulously timed, coinciding with Kashmir's growing tourism and improving security.

How is Pakistan tied to this? Recall Gen. Munir's recent remarks:

"Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life—religion, customs, everything. That was the basis of the Two-Nation Theory," said Munir on April 16.

This was a thinly veiled message, perceived as a signal to Pakistan’s terror networks. Within a week of that speech, the Pahalgam attack occurred, during which victims were questioned about their religion and asked to recite the Kalima. It is too coincidental to ignore.

Now, consider the logic behind sparing women and children. Was it an act of mercy? Certainly not. Had they been killed too, who would remain to narrate the terror? Witnesses are needed to spread fear, discourage tourism, and recruit misguided youths for acts of violence—all crucial to the terrorists' sabotage strategy.

While Kashmir was under Presidential rule, such incidents were rare. But with the reinstatement of a State Government, terrorism resurfaced—a message we must heed.

Could this attack happen without local support? Definitely not. Local involvement is evident. For instance, the tour operator led tourists into restricted areas against government advisories. This angle must be thoroughly investigated.

Should India respond diplomatically? Absolutely—but with strategic care. Emotional outbursts and fake news on social media would only worsen matters. Stopping the Indus water supply, for instance, must be handled with tact and legal groundwork, not rash actions inspired by films.

Indians must avoid overreacting online. Let the government and armed forces act judiciously. Emotional responses risk isolating India globally. We must remember: India is not Israel, and we face internal as well as external adversaries. Political parties, driven by vote banks, may exploit any misstep.

Surgical strikes aren't an everyday option. Caution, patience, and international support are crucial. India must not fall into Pakistan’s trap. Despite knowing they are ill-prepared for war, Pakistan’s provocations are aimed at forcing India into a costly distraction.

Our leadership understands these dynamics, and we must trust that they will steer the nation wisely. Let them strengthen the internal security and no lapses or biases in this is the need of the hour.