How Pahalgam terror attack became a moment to unite, not divide, even in J&K

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* 

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has shaken the conscience of the nation. Yet, amidst the tragedy, it has also united people across India in empathy and solidarity. Tourists from Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other states have shared how local Kashmiris stood by them in their moment of fear. These are not just stories of survival, but powerful narratives of human connection and shared pain.

For perhaps the first time in two decades, people in the Valley—and across India—have felt a deep personal sense of loss. Local Kashmiris condemned the violence vocally and unequivocally. Masjids made announcements against the terrorists, a remarkable show of collective moral clarity. No one understands the trauma of living in a conflict zone better than the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Just as life had started inching toward normalcy, the terrorists struck again.

Unfortunately, for some, the tragedy became a political opportunity. Instead of fostering national unity, attempts were made to polarize, poison the discourse, and blame entire communities. Television channels descended to their usual gutter-level commentary. Some leaders within the BJP and the Sangh Parivar immediately reverted to their divisive Hindu-Muslim rhetoric. This must stop. The government must send a strong message: exploiting terror for political gain, or blaming Indian Muslims, will not be tolerated.

Let the law take its course. If any individuals from Jammu and Kashmir are found complicit, let the local administration and intelligence agencies act. But harassing innocent students and common citizens must be avoided at all costs. Encouragingly, senior police officials from Uttarakhand and West Bengal have issued reassuring statements, reminding us that constitutional values must prevail.

We must also recognize the source of this sustained threat: the open involvement of Pakistani military and intelligence. Even many Pakistani civilians are exhausted by this conflict and long for peace with India. However, as long as Pakistani leadership considers Kashmir their "unfinished agenda," progress will remain difficult. The recent communal comment by Pakistan's army chief only underscores how outdated and dangerous this thinking is—echoing even Jinnah’s own regrets at the end of his life.

It’s time South Asia moves beyond the ghosts of partition. Had we followed a different path, this region could have become a global powerhouse—perhaps even larger than the European Union. Instead, we’ve become prisoners of religion-based politics. Majoritarianism has flourished. Minorities live in fear, while non-state actors grow bolder.

India must lead by example. Every government official must uphold the Constitution. Those spreading hate and violating laws must face consequences—no exceptions. Governance cannot be conducted via Twitter or primetime propaganda. Donald Trump tried that, and we all saw how ineffective it was.

Wars of the future will be fought over water, not ideology. Our rivers connect states and nations, and only mutual cooperation can ensure lasting peace. India must take Pakistan's cross-border terrorism to global forums, using diplomatic channels smartly. Remember how Indira Gandhi travelled the world to expose Pakistan’s role in Bangladesh in 1971. Despite limited international influence then, her determined diplomacy paid off. Today, we are far more influential—but we must still act with the same grit and clarity.

Russia remains India’s time-tested ally. We could learn from Vladimir Putin’s strategic restraint and diplomatic precision. He may not post on social media, but he commands global attention. In contrast, rabble-rousing and jumlas won’t help India in global diplomacy.

It’s a welcome step that the government has called an all-party meeting. However, it would have been even more powerful had the Prime Minister himself participated. Instead, he addressed the media—seemingly more for international audiences than domestic consensus. If it was meant for Pakistan, they understand our language. If for the West, it's unclear whether they even take such soundbites seriously.

India stands united. What we need from our leaders now is sincerity—not just in words, but in actions. Act diplomatically or militarily—but do it for the nation, not for electoral gain. The response to the Pahalgam attack gives us an opportunity. Let this be a moment of healing, a reaffirmation of the idea of India: inclusive, resilient, and just.

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*Freelance journalist