A New Reckoning

27/04/2025

The serene valleys of Kashmir were once again plunged into grief and outrage earlier this week, as a terror attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam-a place known more for its breathtaking beauty than bloodshed-claimed 26 innocent lives, most of them unsuspecting tourists. The massacre, one of the deadliest in recent memory, has shaken the region and the nation, igniting a fierce response from the authorities. In the days since the attack, Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented crackdown on suspected terrorists and their sympathisers. Homes have been razed, hundreds detained, and entire communities are now gripped by fear and uncertainty. According to officials, security forces have embarked on a sweeping campaign to root out terrorist networks and their enablers. The homes of five individuals identified as terrorists or their associates have been demolished in just 48 hours. Mysterious blasts have destroyed the residences of two active militants-AadilThoker in Bijbehara and Asif Sheikh in Tral. In Srinagar, police have raided the homes of 63 suspected overground workers, while a list of 14 local terrorists has been circulated as the probe into the Pahalgam horror intensifies.
The logic behind the crackdown is clear: to create a strong deterrent, to disrupt the infrastructure of terror, and to reassure a shaken public that the state will not tolerate another Pahalgam-like atrocity. The pain and anger of losing so many innocent lives demand action, and the authorities are responding with force and resolve. Yet, as the Valley finds itself in the crosshairs of this security operation, urgent questions arise about the means and the ends of such actions. The demolition of homes-often without due legal process-raises concerns about collective punishment and the potential alienation of local communities. Detaining hundreds for questioning in sweeping raids may help net a few genuine conspirators, but it also risks casting a wide net of suspicion and resentment, further fraying the fragile trust between the people and the state.
There is little doubt that the fight against terrorism in Kashmir requires determination, intelligence, and sometimes, tough choices. The loss of innocent lives cannot go unanswered. However, history has taught us that peace in the Valley cannot be built on the ruins of justice. To ensure that the crackdown does not become a cycle of vengeance and fear, the authorities must balance security imperatives with respect for due process and human rights. The tragedy at Pahalgam is a grim reminder of the high stakes in Kashmir and the urgent need for a sustainable, just, and humane approach to security. The Valley's resilience has been tested time and again. It must not be further eroded by actions that breed despair instead of hope. In this hour of pain, the priority must be to bring the perpetrators of the massacre to justice, to restore a sense of safety, and to heal the wounds of the bereaved. But as Kashmir is swept by the storm of security operations, let us remember: lasting peace can only take root when security walks hand in hand with justice and compassion.

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