India News Update: Retaliation Pressure After Deadly Attack
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the region, with many canceling their bookings and trying to leave. The Indian government must now balance its desire for justice with the need to protect its citizens and prevent further violence, while also addressing the underlying issues that have led to the current situation.
A recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, has killed 26 people, including foreign tourists, prompting calls for retaliation and raising concerns about India's Kashmir policy and its preparedness for potential military actions against Pakistan.
Lt. Gen. H S Panag, a retired Indian Army officer, has cautioned against hasty military actions, citing Pakistan's nuclear capabilities and India's limited technological edge. He suggests that India should be prepared for a quid pro quo response from Pakistan and outlines limited military options, such as fire assaults and special forces raids, which could still invite counterattacks.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a little-known armed group that emerged in Kashmir in 2019, has claimed responsibility for the attack. TRF is believed by Indian officials to be an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based armed group. The group's strategy includes using social media and a neutral name to project a Kashmiri nationalist agenda, but its actions have been linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The Indian government has announced several measures, including suspension of Pakistani visas and expulsion of defence staff from the Pakistani High Commission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue those responsible for the attack and their backers, and the nation stands firm in its resolve to ensure justice is served.
As the situation continues to unfold, India must carefully consider its next steps, weighing the need for retaliation against the potential risks and consequences of military action. The government's Kashmir policy has come under scrutiny, with experts believing that the attack is a result of holes in the policy, which has driven tourists to the region despite the risk of violence.