The horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, where over 26 lives were brutally taken after victims were questioned about their religion, has left India reeling. This calculated assault, attributed to Pakistan-backed terrorists, struck at the heart of Kashmir’s tourism-driven economy, which sustains 60-70% of the region’s population for crucial months each year. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front, a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, was not just an act of violence but a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region’s fragile peace and economic revival. As former Governor Satya Pal Malik has poignantly noted, this is a grave blunder by Pakistan, targeting the very lifeline of Kashmiri livelihoods.
The tragedy has sparked a cascade of consequences: an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stringent diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and a war of words on social media that threatens to inflame communal tensions. Most distressingly, reports of retaliatory attacks on Muslims in parts of India have emerged, underscoring the risk of this crisis spiralling into deeper societal fractures. In this moment of grief and anger, the roles of the Prime Minister, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the citizens of India are pivotal in shaping a response that restores peace, ensures justice, and preserves the nation’s unity.
The Role of Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah bear immense responsibility in steering India through this crisis. The government’s swift actions—downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, closing the Attari border, and expelling Pakistani military attaches—signal a resolute stance against terrorism. However, the leadership must now balance decisive action with measures to prevent domestic unrest. The Prime Minister, as the nation’s unifying voice, should address the country directly, condemning the attack while unequivocally denouncing communal violence. A clear message that no citizen should face retribution based on religion will help quell the rising tide of vigilantism.
Home Minister Shah, tasked with internal security, must prioritise two fronts: enhancing security in vulnerable regions like Jammu and Kashmir and safeguarding minority communities across India. The all-party meeting on April 24, 2025, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Amit Shah in attendance, was a step toward political unity. Shah should build on this by coordinating with state governments to deploy additional security in areas reporting communal tensions and ensure swift action against those inciting violence. Moreover, the government’s admission of security lapses in Pahalgam, where local tour operators opened routes without informing authorities, demands accountability. Shah must oversee a thorough review of security protocols to prevent such tragedies while avoiding measures that alienate Kashmiris, as urged by PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti.
The Responsibility of Citizens
While leadership sets the tone, the people of India are equally accountable for the nation’s resilience. The Pahalgam attack was designed to sow division, and citizens must resist falling into this trap. Retaliatory attacks on Muslims, fuelled by misinformation or prejudice, betray the values of unity and harmony that define India. Instead, communities should rally to support the victims’ families, many of whom were tourists from diverse backgrounds, including a Nepali national. Grassroots initiatives—such as interfaith vigils, fundraising for affected families, and public demonstrations of solidarity—can counter the narrative of hate.
Social media, now a battleground of inflammatory rhetoric, requires responsible engagement. Citizens must verify information before sharing and refrain from amplifying divisive content. The war of words online, as seen in posts blaming entire communities or nations, risks inciting those with narrow mindsets. Reporting hateful content and promoting messages of peace can help de-escalate tensions. The spontaneous, peaceful demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir, as noted in the all-party resolution, exemplify the power of collective resolve. Indians everywhere should emulate this commitment to harmony.
The Way Forward
The path forward demands a multifaceted approach that addresses security, communal harmony, and economic recovery. First, the government must intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, as pledged by PM Modi and Mr Shah. The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Rs 20 lakh reward for credible information and the destruction of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists’ homes are steps in this direction. However, military escalation, as hinted by discussions of Balakot-like strikes, must be approached cautiously to avoid broader conflict, especially given Pakistan’s threats of war.
Second, protecting Kashmir’s tourism industry is critical. The attack has shaken public confidence, with hundreds of tourists, including 500 from Maharashtra, fleeing the region. The government should launch a campaign to restore trust, offering enhanced security for visitors and financial aid for local businesses. States like Karnataka, already tracking their tourists in Kashmir, could lead by example in coordinating safe travel advisories.
Third, combating communal violence requires proactive measures. The all-party resolution’s call to protect Kashmiris outside the region from harassment must extend to all minorities. State governments should establish helplines and rapid-response teams to address hate crimes. Civil society, including religious leaders and influencers, can play a vital role in promoting dialogue and countering misinformation.
Finally, social media platforms must be held accountable. The government should collaborate with tech companies to monitor and remove inflammatory content swiftly, while encouraging users to report hate speech. Public campaigns promoting digital literacy can empower citizens to navigate online spaces responsibly.
The Pahalgam tragedy is a test of India’s resilience. It is a moment to honour the memory of the victims, like Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who died fighting a terrorist, by recommitting to the values of Kashmiriyat—unity, peace, and harmony. As a nation of 1.4 billion, India’s strength lies in its diversity and collective spirit. By fostering solidarity, ensuring justice, and rebuilding trust, we can emerge stronger, proving that no act of terror can extinguish our indomitable spirit.
