Pahalgam massacre unveils critical security breaches, ignites calls for decisive anti-terror action

What began as a peaceful day in the lush Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam ended in a bloodbath as terrorists in military fatigues executed a calculated massacre of pony-riding tourists on April 22, targeting them based on religion and filming the carnage.

At least 27 people lost their lives in the most brazen terror attack in the region in recent years — one that has sparked global outrage and intense scrutiny over gaping security failures.

Amid the chaos, a heart-wrenching cry pierced the air. "Kill me too! They killed my husband — I have nothing left!" a woman wailed, collapsing before real soldiers who arrived moments too late.

A video capturing her devastation has gone viral, symbolizing the scale of human loss and state unpreparedness.

Children screamed, mistaking actual army personnel for the assailants. Their fear echoed louder than the gunshots — a generation traumatized, a nation devastated.

Top security experts exclusively talking to Education Post condemned a “grave lapse” in “policy and intelligence” that enabled the devastating terror attack, and called for major counter-terrorism reforms to combat such attacks.

Security lapses and strategic failures

Calling the terror attack a product of systemic negligence. Dr. Ajai Sahni, counter-terrorism expert and executive director of the South Asia Terrorism Portal described it as a “strategic collapse at the policy level.”

“This isn’t just about lapses in patrolling — it’s a complete failure to protect high-risk zones despite repeated warnings,” Sahni told Education Post in an exclusive chat.

“Tourist hubs like Baisaran should have been fortified, especially after last year’s Reasi attack on Hindu pilgrims.”

He warned that Kashmir's growing tourist influx must be matched with heightened security. “We can’t afford to celebrate footfall while ignoring foot soldiers of terror.”

Sahni pointed to a "policy disconnect" that has weakened human intelligence. “Local police — once the eyes and ears of counter-insurgency — have been alienated. That’s costing us dearly.”

“Without strong, people-centric policies, even our best-trained forces are flying blind,” he warned. “The Army and CRPF may still rely on technology, but the absence of actionable ground intelligence severely limits their effectiveness.”

Sahni called for a long-term, multi-dimensional, and proactive strategy to combat terrorism and restore lasting peace in Kashmir.

He emphasized the urgent need to further empower the army and security forces by equipping them with cutting-edge weaponry and advanced technology, capable of countering the growing threat posed by highly trained foreign militants armed with sophisticated tools.

‘This was preventable’

Major Gen (Retd.) GD Bakshi expressed outrage at the operational gaps.

“Pahalgam is the gateway to the Amarnath Yatra. It’s incomprehensible that four terrorists could operate freely for ten minutes and then vanish.” he told Education Post.

He added that the removal of Article 370 should have been followed by troop reinforcements, not reductions. “We’ve lost 1.8 lakh soldiers over three years without fresh recruitment. This is national security on autopilot.”

Bakshi emphasized the urgent need for rapid induction of modern defense systems, including Rafale jets and stealth fighters. “Defense doesn’t work on bureaucratic calendars. It’s about readiness — now.”

To a question, Bakshi said, “We must respond with resolve. Not symbolic. Not token. A single airstrike or surgical raid is not enough anymore. We need to inflict serious costs — raise the stakes for Pakistan.“

“Just three days ago, Pakistan’s General Asim Munir gave a speech that sounded like a jihadi manifesto. And now this attack? It’s not a coincidence. This is a pattern. Pakistan must be shaken out of this.” he added.

Raising questions on reducing army’s strength, Bakshi said, “Threat assessments must guide force structure. And yet, we’re reducing strength while facing escalating threats — from Pakistan, China, even Bangladesh now. It’s not just a two-front threat anymore. It’s three-and-a-half.”

‘Assault on livelihood and trust’

Urging Kashmiris to rise and reject such targeted violence, Anil Trigunayat, former Indian envoy to Jordan, Libya, and Malta said, “This isn’t just an attack on lives — it’s an assault on livelihoods and trust. If local actors were involved, it’s a betrayal of their own people.”

“Kashmiris must rise — from families to grassroots — to reject such targeted violence. I served there in 1997 during difficult times, but attack on tourists is both rare and deeply troubling,” he told Education Post.

Calling for urgent action, he urged the Indian government to act decisively within international law:

“Dismantle cross-border terror networks, go after key operatives — including associates of Hafiz Saeed if involved — and fortify intelligence and anti-infiltration systems.”

He added that community trust and vigilance are as vital as military preparedness.
“This fight isn’t just for the Army — it’s for every citizen.”

On Pakistan, he was clear: “There’s no plausible deniability left. Even old allies like Saudi Arabia have stepped back. The world sees terror bred for export often returns home.”

He stressed the long-term path to peace: “We need more than force — we need de-radicalization, education, and youth empowerment. Real change must be rooted in the will of the Kashmiri people.”

‘Pakistan's SSG behind attack’

Former J&K DGP SP Vaid claimed the attackers were operatives from Pakistan’s elite Special Service Group (SSG).

“This was not a ragtag militia hit—this was a precision operation carried out by trained commandos.” Vaid told Education Post.

Vaid called for major security reforms and enhanced coordination between intelligence agencies to further strengthen the anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to recent remarks by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, Vaid drew a stark parallel with Israel's military retaliation against Hamas after the October 7 attacks. “Pakistan’s Army chief is invoking jihadist rhetoric. India must respond with similar resolve and intensity,” he asserted.

Munir, while addressing overseas Pakistanis on April 16, had reignited tensions by declaring Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein.” His speech, laced with ideological undertones, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to Kashmir and the two-nation theory — the cornerstone of the 1947 partition.

Nation demands answers

As political leaders, defense strategists, and anguished citizens grapple with the implications, one truth remains: this massacre could have been prevented. And until accountability is enforced — both at the borders and in policymaking chambers — the shadow of terror will continue to darken Kashmir’s valleys.

The attack at Baisaran is not merely an assault on tourists. It is an assault on trust, peace, and the fragile hope of a return to normalcy. For the grieving survivor who cried for death, for the children who may never forget what they saw, justice must not be delayed.