IMPLICATIONS OF PAHALGAM MASSACRE AND KASHMIRI HINDUS

 

Lashkar-e-Taiba Proxy Gunmen of The Resistance Front (TRF), On 22 April 2025, massacred 26 civilians in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. It was a major terrorist attack near Pahalgam in April 2025, which targeted Hindu tourists (no less than a genocide) which have had significant repercussions for both the Hindu community in Kashmir and outside Kashmir and dented broader efforts to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Hindus. Terrorists separated and specifically targeted Hindu and Christian tourists by demanding they prove their religion, sometimes by reciting Islamic verses or exposing themselves to check for circumcision. Survivors recalled the terrorists telling their women they were spared to “narrate the horrors” to Indian authorities The term “Pahalgam massacre” 2025 terrorist attack, was same, as similar events in the year 2000-2002, in this Pahalgam Region around Amarnath Yatra, which affected Kashmiri Pandits and other non-locals living or visiting the region. This massacre compounded the trauma of earlier violence and reinforced the community’s sense of insecurity, deepening the divides in Kashmir. The attack on civilians by targeting Hindu tourists, escalated fears within the Hindu whatever minority residing in and around Srinagar. However, increased security measures were immediately implemented across the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, with joint combing operations by the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police

EFFECT ON KASHMIRI PANDITS

These massacres are part of a longer history of violence against Kashmiri Pandits. In Seven Centuries Old Brutal Islamiation, latest 1980s and early 1990s saw the beginning of a violent insurgency in which Pakistan-sponsored Islamist militants systematically targeted Kashmiri Pandits like among Major Massacres (to recall some) and Militant Attacks after 1990 Mass Exodus were; 1997 Sangrampora Massacre(10),1998Wandhama Massacre(26), 1999 Kupwara Massacre(9), 2000 Chittisinghpura Massacre (35), 2000 Amarnath Pilgrimage Massacre (30); 2000 Ananatnag Massacre (26), 2001 & 2002 Amarnath Pilgrimage Attacks; 2003 Nadimarg Massacre(24), Again 2017 Amarnath Yatra Attack, Death of Security Forces in 2016 Uriand 2019 Pulwama Attacks, 2019 Kulgam Massacre(24) and so on, list is long, latest being now 2025 Pahalgam Massacre(26). Besides, there have been Massacres and Militant Attacks in Jammu Province too major among them ;1998 &1999 Udhumpur and Doda Massacre(26&57), Again 2000 Doda Massacre (33), 2001 Rajouri Massacre(15), 2001 & 2002 PoonchMassacre(17), 2002 Jammu Massacre(36&28) and Ragunath Mandir Attacks, 2006 Udumpur&Doda Massacre (13&23) and further attacks at Udhumpur, Nagrota, Katua etc are well known, list is long here, too -- *(Figures ) are KPs & other Hindus Killed. What happened between 1986 and Pre-lude to 1990 Mass Exodus is also known right from administrative set up of Mufti Syed to Farooq Abdullah as CMs ! So, facing targeted killings and threats among others including breakdown of law and order, most of the Kashmiri Pandit community was forced to flee the Valley between 1989 and 1991. Militants killed prominent community members, with slogans from mosque loudspeakers demanding “Kashmiri Pandits Ralliv, ChallivYaGalliv”.Meaning “Pandits Convert, Leave, or Perish. More so, in exile, many Pandits have suffered from Displacement, Depression, Mental Trauma, Helplessness and Reports Suggest, an Avg Elderly Kashmiri Pandit succumbed to Death 10-15 Years earlier than what could have been ordained by Almighty after 1990 mass exodus. Obviously, the recent massacre at Pahalgam was one such incident and that followed this long and traumatic history. These serve as highly painful stories in the ongoing struggle for Kashmiri Pandits,both - for those who dream of returning to the Valley and those handful who remain in the Valley.

SETBACK FOR RESETTLEMENT PLANS

The Pahalgam attack has been described as a major setback to the government’s efforts to project normalcy and encourage the return of Kashmiri Hindus (Pandits). The attack, along with other targeted killings, has created a more hostile environment for potential returnees, directly contradicting the narrative of a Peaceful Kashmir. In the wake of the attacks, demands for a concrete and secure roadmap for the return of Kashmiri Pandits have intensified. In May 2025, Various Kashmiri Pandit Organization Representatives called on the Union Home Ministry to unveil a robust plan for their return, highlighting the community’s lack of trust in the prevailing security situation. While Private Member’s Bill, ‘The Kashmiri Pandits (Recourse, Restitution, Rehabilitation and Resettlement) Bill 2022’ Introduced by RS MP Mr Vivek Tankha, for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits received presidential recommendation in July 2025, the attacks underscore the stark difference between political efforts and the challenging security situation on the ground. The violence highlighted the security risks that still exist, making any large-scale return, a more difficult prospect.

GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT

The April 2025 attack triggered a serious escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. India launched “Operation Sindoor” in retaliation, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. This included air strikes, and both sides engaged in cross-border firing, too. As usual Pakistan denied involvement, and Ceasefire also was there within 4 days of Counter Attack by India at the behest of Begging Bowl Pakistan. While All this happened, Pahalgam Attack drew strong International Condemnation, too, form Various Countries of The World, with the UN calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable. The international community had also urged for de-escalation, which prevailed, but the incident has, also, marked a potential turning point in India’s approach to Counter-Terrorism in the Region. However, International Condemnation too, turned out to be more of lip services than what, in reality, it should have pushed for to Support India in efforts to Quell Terrorists Activities in Pakistan

RESILIENCE OF KASHMIRI PANDITS AND OTHER KASHMIRI HINDUS

Despite the increased risks, some Kashmiri Pandits have continued efforts to re-establish connections to their homeland. Small-scale initiatives like the revival of old temples and have continued to monitor Safe and Security of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu employees already working in the valley. Some are Running Schools, some are involved in Business of Trading and other doing Service Business etc. Undoubtedly, for many residents in Srinagar, the attack was a Blow to the Economy. Shikara boat operators on Dal Lake and Hoteliers, a major tourist hub in Srinagar, protested the violence, fearing of deterrence for tourists and hurting their livelihoods. The attack also intensified political rhetoric; while the local government under current CM For the small number of Kashmiri Pandits who still live in the Valley, the attack was a horrifying reminder reinforcing fear of the violence they have endured since the 1990s. Some Pandit employees working in the valley held a silent protest, asking the government to consider their safety. As triggered backlash, too, the attack led to a surge of Anti-Kashmiri Muslim Sentiment across India. This created a fresh wave of fear among some Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindus who felt unsafe especially inside their Home Region. The violence damaged the sense of normalcy and security that had been promoted in recent years, especially after Abrogation of rt 370, which was a core condition for many Pandits considering returning to the Valley and that drifted again from the life of Returnees. Repeated massacres showed Kashmiri Pandits that they are not safe, more so not even safe, in the context of their Religious Rituals, in Kashmir. For the minority community that remained in the Valley after the 1990 exodus, the attack added to their sense of being under siege and under sense of vulnerability. By targeting Hindus repeatedly, around pilgrimage to Baba Amaranth, the attack confirmed the fears of displaced Pandits that the Valley was unsafe for return. It contributed to the profound sense of loss and alienation, felt by the community that has since been recording its experiences in Poignant and Heart-breaking Shattering Memoirs and Poetry, out of total disillusionment. Email:spadeaspade@rediffmail.com; editorspadeaspade@gmail.com 10 TERROR DECEMBER 2025 condemned the violence, the incident put pressure on the administration to ensure the more safety of minorities and tourists, in future. However, daring Hindus Carried Amarnath Yatra 2025 as usual, with High Religious-Fervor and Religious-Ceremonies Like Janam Ashtami and Dussehra were also held with Religious Gaiet

NOT MUCH LET UP IN SECURITY ENVIRONMENT

Following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, a comprehensive assessment of the implications for Kashmiri Pandits’ return shows not much of let-up in security environment, making their return in Safety, Dignity, and with Economic Opportunity still difficult. The attack also, highlighted the state’s inability to protect minorities, intensifying community fears and potentially derailing efforts for rehabilitation by relentless violence, cross-border tensions, and jeopardizing any existing rehabilitation programs

NATIONAL IMPLICATION

l Reinforced Security Concerns: The scale and brutality of the attack, with victims killed in front of their families, underscored the persistent security challenges and the inability of the state to protect minority groups from attacks; l Increased Disillusionment: The attack contributed to growing disillusionment among the Kashmiri Pandit community and others regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the overall security environment in Kashmir; l More Importantly Backlash against Kashmiri Pandits: The attack may stoke anger and retaliation against Kashmiri Pandits by militant groups seeking to intensify communal divides and disrupt their return efforts

INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

l Heightened Scrutiny of India’s Security Role: The attack on the Pahalgam tourist resort drew international condemnation and increased pressure on India to address terrorism and ensure the security of its citizens, including minority groups like Kashmiri Pandits; I l Impact on India-Pakistan Relations: The incident further complicated relations between India and Pakistan, potentially leading to heightened tensions and a reversal of progress in any regional peace initiatives

DOMESTIC IMPLICATIONS

l Vulnerability of Kashmiri Pandits:The attack highlighted the extreme vulnerability of Kashmiri Pandits, both displaced and those in the Valley, to violence, with the potential to further discourage their return and rehabilitation; l Challenges to Rehabilitation Programs:The incident complicates existing rehabilitation efforts, creating an urgent need for enhanced security and safety measures to protect the lives of returning Pandits; l Economic and Social Displacement: The terror attack can further erode the efforts to create economic opportunities and a conducive environment for the return and resettlement of the Pandit community

RISE OF ISLAM AND DEBACLE OF HINDUS IN KASHMIRAND PAK REGION

This is not something which has happened for the first time in Kashmir against Kashmiri Pandits and the Hindus. These Life-Threatening Genocidal Ordeals of Kashmiri Pandits have 700 years of long history of Mass Islamization in Kashmir. In AD 1339, after defeating Kota Rain by deceit and death, Shahmir ascended the throne of Kashmir under the name of Sultan Shamas-ud-Din (The Light of the Religion - Islam). He got Khutaba read and the Coins struck to his name. Islam became the Court Religion and Shahmir became the architect of Muslim rule in Kashmir. With the establishment of the new regime Muslim missionaries, Preachers and Sayyids penetrated into the Valley. Sayyid Jalal-ud-Din, Sayyid Taj-ud-Din, Sayyid Hussain Simnani, Sayyid Masud and Sayyid Yusuf came to Kashmir to avoid their persecution and massacre by Mongol Timur. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (Shah Hamadan) entered Kashmir with 700 odd Sayyids; and, his son, Mir Muhammad Hamadani, with more 300 odd.Under protection of Mir Dynasts, they disseminated the message of Islam which Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (AD 1314-AD 1385) has penned in ‘Zakhirat’ulMaluk’, resulting Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindus Major Seven Emigrations, time to time, from land of Kashmir, then onwards to neighboring and far off States of Bharat (which continues till Date) which can digressed in later parts of Article “Martand Sun Temple (Dazzling Monument of Gandara, Gupta & Kashmiri Style of Architecture) - Sacred Devotion to Son God, ruined by Sikandar-Butshikan (AD1389-1413),is Light of Faith of Kashmiri Pandits and was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida in 8thCentuary, being renovated, now. Alas! Kashmir is home to Just few Thousand Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindus, now, being nearly 100% of Population in 14th Centuary- Is not this fundamental Radicalization and Islamization? However, Kashmiri Hindu has, ever and anon, risen from ashes like phoenix, whenever they were Subject of Brutal Islamization from time to time - Truth Always Triumphs and it is Dharma which is Eternal; So is Sanatan Dharma - Jai Bharat, Jai Sanatan – Vande Matram

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Courtesy: RAJESHWAR DHAR  and  Spade A Spade-DECEMBER ,2025