The Issue
The Pahalgam attack on 22nd April 2025 has stunned the nation and rekindled longstanding discussions around national security, terrorism, and the role of the judiciary in dealing with internal threats. On April 22, 2025, terrorists opened fire on a group of Hindu tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam, which left 26 dead and more than a dozen people wounded. As the families of the victims and the country at large grieve the loss of life, retired Lieutenant General D.P. Pandey’s pointed remarks questioning intervention by the judiciary have triggered both support and outrage.
In a report following the Pahalgam attack that swiftly drew attention, Lt. Gen. Pandey stated, “Supreme Court judges should now go to Kashmir and see for themselves what we are up against.” His remark came in the wake of what many consider as increasing judicial intervention in military and security decisions — involvements that, some argue, may be constraining the armed forces and law enforcement from taking rapid action in high-risk areas such as Kashmir.
The Barbaric Act of Terrorists
The Pahalgam attack, purportedly carried out by members of the shady militant group “Kashmir Resistance,” was conspicuous by the chilling brutality. Survivors and witnesses recalled that the attackers targeted Hindu tourists, demanding that they recite Islamic verses. Those who failed or faltered were shot at close range. Children, women, and elderly travellers were not left, which makes this one of the most horrific civilian attacks in the region since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
Officials are of the opinion that the terrorists intentionally targeted a susceptible and unarmed group to draw extensive media exposure and to instil fear among tourists, particularly Hindus, who were visiting the Valley. The invaders allegedly fled into the dense forests around Pahalgam, which led to a massive hunt by the Army, CRPF, and local police.
Despite the extended counter-terror operations in recent years, the Pahalgam attack stresses the challenge that small, and mobile terror cells pose at moments of reduced vigilance.
The Backdrop
The incident occurs at a time when Kashmir has been registering a slow and steady return to normalcy. With the abolition of Article 370 in 2019 and the following reduction in militant violence, the Union government invested heavily in tourism and development projects in the region. The Pahalgam attack is not only a stumbling block in terms of civilian casualties but also a reversal to the image of a peaceful Kashmir that the administration has been trying to project.
The aim of the attackers, experts say, was twofold — to reverse the opinion of safety in Kashmir and to expand communal divisions. The targeting of Hindus was by no means accidental; it was a measured move meant to stoke fear, spread discord, and trigger retaliation that could further undermine the stability in the region.
The Crime
What makes this unpleasant Pahalgam attack especially monstrous is the religious and emotional dimension added by the attackers. Survivors affirmed that the gunmen were systematic, brutal, and completely ruthless. Many victims were yanked out of vehicles and killed. The injured, which included children, were left with no help for hours owing to the remoteness of the place and the initial chaos.
According to security sources, primary evidence shows that in the Pahalgam attack, the terrorists had logistical help from local supporters and the employment of encoded messaging apps for coordination. Investigators are also examining probable intelligence failure, owing to the fact that the region was typically under high surveillance during the tourist season in spring.
The Pahalgam attack brings up uncomfortable questions about whether the current security protocols were sufficient to protect civilians — particularly in recognised hotspots — and whether more practical measures should be adopted in the future.
Supreme Court’s Observations
In a rare demonstration of collective anguish, the Supreme Court of India observed a two-minute silence to honour the victims and released an intensely worded declaration calling the Pahalgam attack a “diabolical act of mindless violence.” Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud stressed that such acts are a direct attack on the democratic values of India and the secular fabric of the country.
Yet, it is the larger role of the judicial system that is currently subject to public scrutiny. In recent years, courts intervened in several Kashmir-related matters — from inspection over the use of pellet gun to stay orders on using AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in particular operations. While the desire in such rulings was to maintain human rights, many within the armed forces contend that it binds the hands of those operating in complex and hazardous situations.
Lt. Gen. Pandey, who previously commanded the Chinar Corps in Kashmir, reflected this sentiment. His contentious statement reflects the increasing frustration among security forces who feel their operational independence is being interrogated by those who may not fully comprehend the realities on the ground.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack is a painful reminder that the shadow of terrorism still threatens the Kashmir Valley. It confronts not just the security apparatus of the state but also the country’s collective resolve to preserve peace and diversity.
While judicial oversight is a critical pillar of democracy, a nuanced and concrete approach must be pondered when dealing with issues concerning national security. The safety of civilians — regardless of religion or region — must continue to be paramount. Communication between the judiciary, the armed forces, and the executive could help achieve a balance between the protection of rights and security priorities.
As India mourns the loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam attack, it must also act with precision and conviction to ensure that such disasters are neither repeated nor used to divide people. Justice must be prompt, security must be strong, and above all, the message must be loud and clear: terrorism will never break the spirit of India.
About Author
Ananda Murthy JS is an English teacher in Hyderabad. His teaching experience spans more than 30 years, which includes his stint as an IGCSE teacher in the Maldives, lecturer in English for Intermediate students, writer and editor/language specialist, and IELTS, GRE and TOEFL trainer. He also provides English coaching to students appearing for CAT, IELTS, GRE and TOEFL privately in Hyderabad. Ananda has proficiency in editing SWOT analyses, market forecast and other reports, conducting Effective English sessions, and imparting training in Business English. He also write business blogs, key word dense articles and original articles on various topics.