Terrorists launched a deadly attack near Pahalgam on Tuesday. They killed nearly 30 tourists at Baisaran meadow. The strike happened while US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India. Many Kashmir watchers quickly recalled the 2000 Chittisinghpura massacre, which took place during US President Bill Clinton’s visit.

Terror Group TRF Claims Responsibility

Soon after the attack, The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility. TRF is linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Its involvement has raised strong suspicions about Pakistan’s role. Officials fear Pakistan’s security agencies may have helped or ignored the plot.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Makes Bold Statement

Just days before the attack, Pakistan’s Army chief General Asim Munir made a controversial statement. He said, “It was our jugular vein, it is our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brethren in their heroic struggle against the Indian occupation.” India strongly rejected his remarks through the external affairs ministry.

Terror Strike May Shift Global Focus

Security experts believe the attack had a clear goal. They say it was aimed at putting Kashmir back on the international stage. One expert in Srinagar said, “The attack comes at a time when there has been a relative lull in Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating a tourism boom. Any internationalisation of the Kashmir issue could ease the pressure on the Pakistani military.”

Pakistan Faces Domestic Security Challenges

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military is struggling at home. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is growing stronger in the northwest. In Balochistan, rebels recently hijacked a train with 380 people onboard. These rising threats are putting the military under more pressure.

Attacks on tourists in Kashmir have been rare lately. The last major incident took place in June 2023. Nine Hindu pilgrims died and 33 others were injured when terrorists attacked their bus, causing it to fall into a gorge.

India Showcased Peace Through Tourism

Since India removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, the region has seen major security changes. The government cracked down on terror groups and separatists. In 2023, India even hosted a G20 tourism meeting in Srinagar. This event was meant to highlight peace in the region.

However, Tuesday’s attack has shaken the image of stability. It may also impact tourism, which had recently seen a big rise. The government now faces pressure to act quickly and stop further attacks.