Col Harjinder Singh (Retd)
The tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, claiming 28 lives, mostly tourists underscores the persistent security challenges in the UT of J&K. The attack highlights critical lapses in the security grid, complacency in threat perception, and the urgent need for accountability across military, political, and administrative echelons. The precise execution of massacre and timing suggest a deliberate attempt to undermine the move of state towards normalcy post Article 370.
Vulnerabilities in the Counter – Infiltration Grid
The massacre stems from vulnerabilities in the counter infiltration grid. Trusting or relying on the recent pattern of Pakistan was never an option. So, why was this grid altered or tweaked ? Who decided normalcy had returned, allowing thinning of forces ? These questions demand answers.
Pakistan’s military – ISI nexus is well documented, orchestrating calibrated proxy warfare in its neighborhood. The peak of militancy in the 1990s taught us the critical importance of having boots on the ground, the thinning of which despite political assurances to the contrary has compromised deterrence.
Impact of Article 370 Abrogation
The abrogation of Article 370, while a bold political move, disrupted a well established security framework. Decisions endorsed by senior military leadership to reallocate RR units from the hinterland to the LoC diluted the CT grid, creating gaps that terrorists have exploited.
Political statements
Statements portraying J&K as “normal” fostered a false sense of security, pressuring terrorist handlers to stage high impact attacks to embarrass the Govt.
Connection with Balochistan, Vance and Modi visits
Pakistan’s open threats following the 2025 train hijacking in Balochistan, coupled with Pak Army Chief’s rhetoric about Kashmir as their “jugular vein,” should have triggered heightened alerts amongst SF especially during high profile visits like that of the US VP to India. It is well known that during such times, security needs to be heightened. Surprisingly, I believe there wasn’t a single security personnel present in that area, a likely result of complacency influenced by political establishment.
Systemic Lapses
The failure to translate threat perceptions into actionable intelligence and preemptive measures reflects systemic shortcomings. Senior Army leadership’s alignment with the political narrative of “all is well” post Article 370 compromised operational candor. By not countering optimistic political statements, they diluted focus on ground realities. The Generals should have resisted bureaucratic interference in the security grid and insisted on retaining CT grid in the hinterland. Some say’s their acquiescence to political priorities contributed to the current vulnerability. I remember how the same military leadership stood like a rock safe guarding National interest, when few decades back political class wanted to vacate Siachen Glacier.
Lessons from the Past
Our experience in field taught us that complacency is the terrorist’s greatest ally. Terrorists exploit lulls in operations, political posturing, or resource constraints to strike with maximum impact. Publicizing operational successes prematurely, such as reduced terrorism or increased tourism provokes terrorist tanzeems to stage spectacular attacks to regain relevance and media attention.
The Way Forward
Conventional responses like LoC activation or missile strikes as being propagated on social media are unlikely to deter Pakistan. Instead, India must leverage its diplomatic clout with allies like the US, EU, and Arab nations to impose economic and political costs on Pakistan. Sanctions, FATF scrutiny, and international isolation could pressure Pakistan to curb its proxy war. Non-kinetic options to deal with our failing neighbour, as part of a long-term strategy to clip its wings, must be analysed and implemented at the national level.
Revamp the Security Grid: Strengthen coordination through the Unified Command, integrating SPOs and Village Defence Committees (VDCs) into the CT framework. Use JK police excellent HUMINT and incorporate them as part of joint Ops.
Acknowledge the problem: Accept that J&K faces a Pakistan orchestrated terrorism challenges. Bolster HUMINT and technical surveillance to launch int based Ops.
Review Policy Missteps: Investigate why the CT grid was altered and hold accountable those who prioritized political narratives over operational realities.
Joint Investigation: Conduct a thorough probe to pinpoint lapses, identify complacent officers, and recommend structural reforms.
Diplomatic Offensive: Highlight Pakistan’s role as the “epicenter of terrorism” at international forums, avoiding escalatory rhetoric about LoC activation or missile strikes. Pakistan remains vulnerable on many front including Balochistan, do what suits our interests.
Reinforce CT Tactics: Revert to time tested strategies, empower units like RR to restore security with freedom to operate.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam massacre stands as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by complacency, weakened security structures, and misplaced priorities following the abrogation of Article 370. The issue is not between Hindus – Muslims but between India and Pakistan. Lasting peace demands a united, vigilant, and determined response. Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of terrorism must be countered through sustained military, diplomatic, and economic measures. The threat of calibrated terrorism calls for unwavering vigilance to avert future tragedies.
( The author is a graduate in security studies from Asia Pasific Center for Security Studies , USA and has served in intense counter terrorism Ops in J&K.)
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