Yet another terror attack in Kulgam, Kashmir, has shattered the illusion of peace that security agencies have been touting. Despite their claims that terrorism in the region is on its last legs, the grim reality painted by this recent attack tells a different story. The event not only questions the effectiveness of our security measures but also demands a serious introspection from all quarters.
The attack in Kulgam serves as a stark reminder that the narrative of peace and control over terrorist activities might be more of a mirage than a reality. It’s imperative for our security agencies to pause and reflect rather than continuing on what seems to be a path of denial or complacency. The very existence of such attacks, with miscreants still managing to acquire weapons and garner support, indicates systemic failures at various levels.
Let’s be clear: every terror attack is a condemnation of not just the act itself but also of the systemic lapses that allow such acts to occur. It’s not just about the immediate response to terrorism but about understanding its roots, its persistence, and the societal conditions that fuel it. Security agencies have been quick to claim victories, but these attacks reveal that perhaps those victories are pyrrhic at best.
The society in Kashmir, and indeed across India, needs to engage in introspection. It’s not enough to merely condemn these attacks; we must delve deeper into why, despite heavy security presence and operations, terrorism continues to find fertile ground. Is it a failure of intelligence, a lack of community engagement, or perhaps the alienation of a segment of the population?
The government and security forces must revisit their strategies. There needs to be an honest acknowledgment that previous methods have not been entirely successful. This should lead to a more nuanced approach that includes not just military might but also social, economic, and political measures aimed at healing the region’s wounds. The focus should shift from merely controlling terrorism to eradicating its causes.
Moreover, there must be accountability. The public deserves transparency about how security is managed, where the gaps are, and what steps are being taken to seal them. Promises of peace have often turned into public relations exercises rather than genuine commitments to change.
As we mourn the latest victims in Kulgam, let this be a call to action for all stakeholders. This isn’t about taking anyone on a ride but about taking responsibility. We need strategies that are not just reactive but proactive, not just about containment but about resolution. The path to peace in Kashmir requires not just the might of the state but the will to understand and address the underlying issues. Only then can we hope to turn the page on the chapters of violence that continue to haunt this beautiful yet troubled land.
