In one of the biggest attacks by militants in recent times, 26 people were killed in the picturesque Pahalgam region of Anantnag district of southern Kashmir. Most were Indian tourists and a local ponywallah Syed Adil Hussain Shah was also killed in the attack as he tried to resist the gun-toting attackers in a bid to save the tourists. In the wake of this tragedy we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families.
After the forceful abrogation of article 370 in 2019, the Modi-Shah duo has repeatedly claimed of ‘peace’ being restored in the valley. Since then there have been multiple instances of unrest in the valley that have made it to Indian mainstream media. Last year, 6 migrant workers and a Kashmiri local were killed in an attack. The counter-attacks as well as fake encounters, wrongful incarcerations, disappearances, etc. by the Indian security forces have continued too as in the past decades.
Recently, with the discovery of Lithium mines in Reasi, the government is selling it to the highest corporate bidders. Locals also fear eviction due to mining. With the demand for Lithium increasing worldwide for producing batteries, imperialists are also eyeing the mines of Kashmir. Hence, militarisation continues unabated as well as settling of mainland Indians in the area. Kashmir remains the most militarised zone on earth perhaps only comparable to Bastar at the present moment. Despite this overwhelming military presence, eyewitnesses as well as family members of the deceased question the absence of security personnel in Baisaran valley of Pahalgam where the attack took place. They say some of the victims were alive for a few hours even after the attack but later succumbed to the injuries due to lack of timely help. Exemplary courage was shown by the locals who rescued many tourists and ensured their well-being till help arrived from the government. Baisaran valley usually is opened for tourists in the month of June. The reason for an early opening without security measures remains unknown. In an all-party meeting the BJP government for the first time in the recent past has accepted an intelligence failure. More than 1,500 Kashmiris have been picked up since then by the government in a bid to catch the perpetrators. Initially, The Resistance Front too responsibility of the attack. Later, they claimed it to be a cyber intrusion and denied involvement.
On the ground however this massacre is being used to stoke communal hatred against Muslims in general and Kashmiris in particular with many giving calls for an ‘Israel-like solution’, a euphemism for a genocide of the Kashmiris as is happening in Gaza right now. Already attacks on Kashmiri students and Muslims are on the rise nationally. With Bihar elections round the corner, the BJP has turned this tragedy into an opportunity to garner more votes. However, this incident remains a monumental failure of the Modi government.
