Pahalgam terror attack can not be forgiven, but anger leads to clouding of judgment

क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रम: |
स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति || 63||

Anger leads to clouding of judgment, which results in bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the intellect is destroyed, one is ruined – Bhagvadgita Chapter 2 Verse 63

The name Pahalgam is derived from two words: “Puheyl” in Kashmiri, which means shepherd and “goam” means village. In Hindu literature, the region is mentioned as “Bailgaon”, meaning “village of the bull”, to indicate where the Hindu god Shiva left his bull on the way to Amarnath.

India is downgrading all ties with Pakistan after the brutal attack in Pahalgam, meaning “village of the shepherds,” left 26 innocent people dead in Kashmir.

Yes, blood boils, but this must not lead to an emotional response. There is a problem of Kashmir (externally abetted) and there is a problem in Kashmir (internally fueled by local radicals); both need to be addressed. But we often play down the internal issues as skeletons will come out and people in high places will be hurt.

On the external front, assured retribution by precision and lethal targeting for an effect geometrically out of proportion to the cause is required. A surgical strike or a Balakot will not help. Sustained intensity with effect-based operations. HIT HARD….HIT WHERE IT HURTS…HURT WHERE IT LASTS.

“Revenge is a dish, best served cold”, but after thinking and war gaming the consequences.

Military response must take into consideration the escalation ladder and the ends it can achieve in a desired time frame. Its fallouts are analysed in depth. I am sure the hierarchy is best informed and will take suitable action. Our deterrence against proxy war has failed so far. So some more of the same will not work.

Also Read: Policemen dismissed for links with narco-terrorists in J&K

We need a kinetic response certainly, but the aim, level and intensity of overt actions need to be deliberated professionally if not wargamed earlier. Past kinetic strikes have not made a difference. It must have a national agenda, not be a political play to the galleries.
Covert actions must escalate enough faultlines of Pakistan – target ISI, target Pakistan Government as well as Army leadership and organisation, fuel Baluchistan, Pashtuns, Afghanistan, and cyber attacks.

The diplomatic actions are to my mind certainly needed but are strategic symbolic messaging.

Closing Atari may not hurt either side, as it is low. In 2023-24, the land port recorded trade worth Rs 3,886.53 crore, mostly exports to Afghanistan.

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT)  abrogation will have limited immediate or long-term effects. Ironically, we don’t have the requisite storage. Many dams under construction are slow. But Pakistan, being water scarce, will have some impact, especially coming months. Further, it is a trilateral signed treaty, so complications. Incentive for China to do the same on the Northern borders? Their Dams are moving at a faster pace.

Sending Pak citizens back. How does it bother anyone. Good but symbolic. Are people responsible for it?

Recalling diplomats. No problem for both sides. Diplomacy low so symbolic.

Diplomatic actions are symbolic but strategic messaging to Pakistan and the World. Let’s see how and when the kinetic response flows.

The key questions are not answered? What are we doing in the internal domain? Sab shanti hai aur aman hai is a fallacy.

Often, suppression of violence is mistaken for the establishment of peace. It is negative peace, not enduring peace… fragile and time sensitive. So any laxity, violence erupts. ‘Enduring Peace’ is not only when violence is eliminated, but governance starts functioning, rehabilitation, deradicalisation and capacity for peace building are created to prevent relapse. It is about people denying the space for terrorists.

Our intelligence and terror grid failed! Islamist ideology prevails. Infiltration is taking place! Local intelligence is absent….people did not forewarn…not possible they were unaware…Did complacency set in…any lessons?? Will accountability be sought??

If we deny the internal space no external forces can find traction.