The world has once again been forced to face the grim reality of terrorism as a result of the tragic and vicious incident that took place on April 22, 2025, in the lovely Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Kashmir. Beyond the first shock and sadness, however, there is a more profound problem that is still mostly ignored: the factors that fuel international hatred, extremism, and violence.
The Horrible Assault
This was no ordinary act of terror. It was a message, immensely political and chillingly purposeful. Only men were targeted by the five extremists who invaded the Baisaran Valley on that tragic day, leaving women and children unharmed. More than 20 individuals were seriously injured, and 28 people—including 25 Indian citizens and a tourist from Nepal—died. The terrorists, who are affiliated with the terrorist organization The Resistance Front (TRF) in Pakistan, did not fire at random. Before brutally killing the victims, they questioned them about their identities, religion, and even their faith.
Survivors told in graphic detail how they were made to perform Islamic prayers in order to demonstrate their religious affiliation. The story of a woman whose husband was shot dead in front of her and their kids was especially heartbreaking. “I won’t kill you,” the terrorist said icily as she pleaded with him to kill her as well. Go tell Modi everything now. The message was clear: this was a deliberate effort to sow discord and panic throughout India.
A Horrible Brainwashing Campaign
Why do young men carry out such heinous deeds? The distorted ideology that some terrorist organizations, particularly in Pakistan, are spreading holds the key to the solution. Under the pretense of religion, Pakistan has long fostered and trained jihadis, teaching them that using violence is their sacred duty.
Targeting men while purposefully avoiding women and children betrays a troubling strategic goal. This was more than just bloodshed; it was a statement, a warning to Indian residents that the state cannot protect them and that their guardians can be killed in front of their families. This act’s sheer boldness demonstrates the extent of radicalization and the deliberate training these terrorists receive to undermine a nation’s spirit.
Who Let This Happen? The Uncomfortable Questions
Critical concerns must be raised in the wake of this incident, not only about the offenders but also about the structural flaws that made this possible. Where was the security? Why wasn’t there any obvious deployment in such a delicate location, particularly one that sees an increasing number of tourists? The fact that there was allegedly no hospital within 50 kilometers of the location was even more worrisome. In order to obtain basic medical assistance, victims had to be transported over great distances.
Even worse, what does it say about our border security and monitoring systems if the extremists were able to carry out such a well-planned attack and flee across the border, traveling almost 150 kilometers without being detected? The national agencies were where? Why did it take until the damage was done to get a response? There are grave concerns over intelligence failures since many speculate that certain residents may have known about the attack beforehand. These are governance flaws that need to be addressed, not only operational errors.
A Risky Game and Geopolitical Undercurrents
It’s critical to consider whether this attack has wider ramifications. Is the shadow of China also responsible for this? It’s likely that certain powers are deploying proxies to sabotage India’s progress at a time when international investors are looking to India because of the continuing trade spat between the US and China.
Many regional players prefer an India that is divided and afraid. It’s possible that China’s indirect influence and Pakistan’s activities are part of a larger scheme to keep India mired in domestic conflict and sectarian tensions. These are conjectures, yet they have some merit. This incident may be more than just an act of extremism, as geopolitical strategies frequently take place in the background.
Strength or Escalation in India’s Reaction?
The response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been straightforward and unwavering. He said, “Those who committed this act and those who forced them to do it, will be dealt with in a way they cannot even imagine,” during a recent rally. We will track them down and punish them, even if they are hidden at the edge of the world. Public opinion has been sparked by this comment, with many people demanding prompt and firm action.
Recalling ambassadors, stopping trade, halting talks on a water pact, and starting clandestine activities are just a few of the actions India has already done. Will this reaction, however, resolve the issue or exacerbate tensions even more? That is still the crucial question. India must strike a balance between administering justice and avoiding a never-ending cycle of reprisals.
A Path Ahead – Beyond Retaliation
India needs to see past its current anger in order to end this cycle. Introspection is just as important as justice. The intellectual justifications for terrorism must be addressed. Additionally, we need to address the weaknesses in our own systems, whether they are local governance, healthcare access, or intelligence.
In the meantime, Pakistan needs to own up to the monsters it created. Where pressure is needed, the international community must apply it. No more silence, no more denial. Indian lives as well as regional peace will be lost if radicalism is not eradicated immediately.
Final Reflection: Selecting Wisdom and Strength
The Baisaran Valley massacre was psychological warfare as much as a terror attack. It aimed to incite fear and rekindle long-standing religious tensions in order to rock India from within. But maybe that was the precise goal somewhere—to rekindle Hindu-Muslim hostilities and undermine India’s internal cohesion.
The Indian populace must prevent such from occurring. In addition to our pain, we must be united in our resolve. Tough questions must be answered by the government. And not only with weaponry, but also with leadership, planning, and vision, it must make sure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Our greatest triumph will ultimately lie not in seeking retribution but in demonstrating that India is unbreakable, not by guns, not by terror, and not by hatred.