Pak-trained killers

The April 22 cold-blooded murder of 27 tourists at Pahalgam by Pakistani-based terrorists has sent shockwaves across India, reigniting fears about critical questions of national security and public sentiment to “teach Pakistan a lesson”. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, was not only an act of terrorism but also a blatant attempt to deepen communal divides but also ignite Indo-Pak hysteria . The terrorists specifically targeted non-Muslim tourists, forcing them to recite the Kalma before killing them. This horrific act has left the nation grieving and questioning the lapses in security that allowed such a heinous crime to occur. The human cost of this tragedy cannot be overstated. Among the victims was Sushil Nathaniel, an LIC manager from Indore, who was shot dead after being asked to recite the Kalma. Similarly, Santosh was killed after failing to recite an Islamic verse. These brutal killings have understandably ignited outrage and communal tensions. However, amidst the horror, a story of humanity emerged- Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a Muslim pony operator, lost his life trying to save the tourists. His courage serves as a reminder that religion has no boundaries when it comes to humanity. The Pahalgam attack has also exposed glaring gaps in India’s security apparatus. Former Lt Gen G.D. Bakshi has pointed out that the withdrawal of area domination patrols and the reduction of army personnel by over 1 lakh since COVID-19 have left critical areas like Jammu and Kashmir vulnerable. The halt in army recruitment for three years and the controversial Agnipath scheme have exacerbated the troop shortage, leaving the army struggling to maintain security in sensitive regions. The troop drawdown and complacency of the Modi government have been blamed for enabling terrorists to operate with impunity. The reduction of the defense budget as a percentage of GDP from 2.41% in 2015–16 to 1.89% in 2024–25 further highlights the government’s misplaced priorities. This attack must serve as a wake-up call for the government to address the critical issue of national security. The politicisation of the army for vested interests is a dangerous precedent, reminiscent of past mistakes under the Congress rule during 1961-62. It is imperative that the defence and space ministries be insulated from political interference and allowed to function based on professional expertise. Parliament must hold the government accountable and ensure that the security lapses that led to the Pahalgam massacre are not repeated. The nation demands answers, and it is only through transparency and reform that we can rebuild trust and ensure such tragedies are never allowed to happen again. The military is not a tool for political posturing but a vital institution charged with protecting the nation’s sovereignty and civilians. The government must stop politicizing the armed forces and instead ensure that they are adequately equipped, manned, and supported to carry out their mandate effectively. The terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam massacre, with links to Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, must be held accountable. If pursuing them across the Indo-Pak border is what it takes to dismantle the terror networks that threaten India, then so be it. Such an operation would undoubtedly carry risks, but it would also send a clear message, that India will no longer tolerate being targeted with impunity.