Phlebotomizing a fragile and sectarian nation: Akshaya means eternal, Tritiya 3rd day

The Pahalgam brutality and intimidation

- DR. SHADAB AHMED

The torpid town of Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, on the banks of the Lidder River overlooking the Betaab Valley is considered a sacred town in Hindu mythology.

The town forms the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra to the Amarnath temple that takes place annually in the temperate months, resulting in a seasonal influx of pilgrims and is an important revenue generator for the Kashmiri populace.

On 22nd of April 2025, the panoramic meadows of the Baisaran Valley bore witness to bedlam and a sick cold-blooded barbarity as insurgents and terrorists from The Resistance Front, the designated terrorist organization in India, offshooted from the cadres of the Laskar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahiddin and responsible for more than 25 imbecilic attacks on paramilitary security forces, government employees and the minority communities of Jammu & Kashmir - massacred 26 tourists on religious grounds.

Prima facie, it appears as a serious breakdown in security protocols and points to a massive intelligence failure in the Valley. Questions will be asked as to why the dense pine forests surrounding the Baisaran meadows were not heavily guarded in view of the under way tourist season, despite the recent similar attacks in 2024 at Reasi and the 2023 Anantnag encounter of the militants with the security forces.