In the Baisaran valley, often called the "mini Switzerland" of Jammu & Kashmir, blood now stains what once was a landscape of serene beauty. Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, newly married just six days ago, was killed by terrorists. His wife, Himanshi, sat beside him, her hands still adorned with mehendi and bridal bangles, a chilling juxtaposition. Narwal was one of the 26 people who were killed in a terror attack in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir.
The tragedy, however, has triggered predictable cycles: leaders offer grandiose statements, media and social platforms explode with blame game. Amid the noise, a dangerous diversion takes root—religious scapegoating, pushing local Kashmiris further into isolation.
Kashmir's Claimed Normalcy: A Mirage?
The question echoes: What happened to the tall claims of peace and "normalcy" in Kashmir?
In Srinagar, the presence of security forces is nearly omnipresent. So why, in tourist-heavy Baisaran, was there no security? No intelligence input? No evacuation plan? These are not just lapses—they are failures that have claimed lives.
The government's data paints a picture of booming tourism post-Article 370 abrogation. In 2023, 2.1 crore tourists visited J&K. In 2024, the number rose to 2.36 crore. Baisaran should have been safeguarded like a national treasure. Instead, it became a graveyard.
The Hollow Promises of Political Rhetoric
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Parliament on 2 July 2024, claimed,
"Before 2014, terrorists could attack anywhere, anytime. After 2014, the situation changed."- PM Narendra Modi
But not even ten months later, Pahalgam's grass turned red.
Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar confidence in December 2023:
"They said rivers of blood would flow if Article 370 was scrapped. Forget rivers of blood, now no one even dares to throw a stone".- HM Amit Shah
But blood has been shed, and stones replaced by bullets.
Unanswered Questions, Unheeded Cries
Demonetisation, the government had promised, would cripple terrorism. So how did the terrorists reach Baisaran? On 20 October 2024, a similar attack occurred in Ganderbal, killing 7 people. On 10 June 2024, another attack on a pilgrim bus in Reasi claimed 9 lives and injured 41.
Each death is not just a number—it's raises questions on accountability. Shubham Dwivedi's wife recalls how terrorists asked if they were Hindu or Muslim before shooting. This religious profiling continued on social media. What's the difference between that gun and that tweet?
The Local Response: A Ray of Humanity
Despite rising hate, many Kashmiris stood in solidarity. Locals protested the attack and helped the injured. Horseman Syed Adil Shah, who ferried tourists, was also among the victims. He died while saving tourists.
Let there be no confusion: whether it is lynching in the name of cow protection or religiously motivated shootings, both are terrorism. These acts aim to fracture India's unity.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
From 2014 to 2018: 339 security personnel killed.
From 2019 to 2024: 270+ personnel lost.
From 2014 to 2024: 600+ security forces martyred.
Civilian deaths:
2014-2018: 155 deaths
2019-2024: 191 deaths
Total (2014-2024*): 346+ civilians killed
Manpower Crisis in the Armed Forces
As of 1 October 2024:
Actual Army strength: 11,05,110
Sanctioned strength: 11,97,520
Shortfall: 92,000+ personnel (7.72%)
Officer cadre:
Sanctioned: 50,538
Actual: 42,095
Shortfall: 16.71%
This shortfall weakens our ability to respond at critical fronts like the LoC and LAC.
The Broader Implication
This attack aimed to disrupt peace, instill fear, and weaken Kashmir’s economy. It was successful. The government failed to prevent it. Policy makers wrongly believed that removing Article 370 was a panacea.
Post-attack, the Indian government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani military advisors, shut down the Wagah-Attari check post, and ordered Pakistani nationals to leave India.
But these are reactive measures.
The Baisaran attack proves that speeches alone don’t build security. It will now take years for tourists to feel safe again. Terrorists should be punished, but so should those whose misleading claims made people believe that Kashmir was safe.
This isn’t just a failure of intelligence. It’s a failure of governance, planning, and accountability.
And it's a question we must keep asking: Janab, Aise Kaise?