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The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, has sparked international condemnation and renewed focus on India's counter-terrorism strategies. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his visit to Germany, unequivocally denounced the attack, attributing its motive to disrupting Kashmir's tourism economy, sowing religious discord, and instilling fear among the local population. His strong words highlight the gravity of the situation and India's resolve to combat terrorism with unwavering determination. Jaishankar’s analysis of the attack's intent to damage Kashmir’s tourism is particularly noteworthy. Tourism is a vital economic lifeline for the region, providing livelihoods for countless families and contributing significantly to the overall economy. A successful tourism season fosters stability and prosperity, undermining the narratives of separatists and terrorists. By targeting tourists, the perpetrators aimed to destabilize the region, create an atmosphere of fear, and ultimately undermine the government's efforts to integrate Kashmir into the national mainstream. The attempt to sow religious discord also represents a dangerous escalation. Kashmir has a long history of peaceful coexistence between different religious communities, and any attempt to disrupt this harmony is a direct assault on the region's social fabric. The terrorists likely hoped to exploit existing vulnerabilities and tensions to create divisions that would further destabilize the region and undermine its secular traditions. The assertion that the attack aimed to instill fear among the people is also crucial. Terrorism thrives on fear, and the perpetrators likely hoped to intimidate the local population into submission, discourage dissent, and create an environment in which they could operate with impunity. By highlighting this aspect of the attack, Jaishankar underscored the importance of resilience, courage, and unity in the face of adversity. India's “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism, as emphasized by Jaishankar, signals a clear message that the country will not compromise on its security and will take decisive action against those who threaten its peace and stability. The launch of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan to eliminate terror hotbeds demonstrates India's proactive approach to combating cross-border terrorism. This operation, while drawing some criticism internationally, was framed by Jaishankar as a necessary measure to deliver justice and protect India's citizens from future attacks. Jaishankar's condemnation of the tendency to frame the conflict as a mere “conflict” between India and Pakistan is a significant point. He argued that such framing inappropriately places the perpetrator and the victim on equal footing, obscuring the reality of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. By emphasizing that India is a victim of terrorism, Jaishankar sought to clarify the narrative and ensure that the international community understands the true nature of the conflict. His invocation of the UN Security Council's statement condemning the attack and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice is also significant. It underscores the international consensus that terrorism is a grave threat to global peace and security and that those responsible must be held accountable. By highlighting the UN's stance, Jaishankar sought to strengthen India's case for taking action against terrorists operating from Pakistani soil. The identification of terrorist headquarters and terror sites as the targets of India's counter-terrorism operations is crucial. It clarifies that India is not targeting the Pakistani state or its people but rather specific terrorist groups and their infrastructure. This distinction is important for maintaining international support for India's actions and avoiding unnecessary escalation of the conflict. The claim that Pakistan has “used terrorism as a tool” for many years is a serious accusation that has been repeatedly made by India. This claim highlights the long-standing tensions between the two countries and the challenges in resolving their disputes peacefully. Pakistan has consistently denied these allegations, but India maintains that it has irrefutable evidence of Pakistan's support for terrorist groups operating in Kashmir and other parts of India.
Germany's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and its affirmation of India's right to defend itself against terrorism represent a strong expression of solidarity and support. Germany's Foreign Affairs Minister Johann Wadephul's statement that Germany was “appalled” by the incident and that India has “every right to defend itself against terrorism” is a clear message of support for India's position. This support is particularly significant given Germany's role as a leading member of the European Union and its commitment to international law and human rights. Wadephul's expression of “deepest sympathy” to the victims and their families also demonstrates Germany's empathy and compassion for the suffering caused by the attack. The emphasis on the need for a “truce” to remain stable and for “dialogue” to happen in order to find bilateral solutions for the conflict is also noteworthy. This reflects Germany's belief that a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute is essential for long-term stability in the region. Germany's offer to support any fight against terrorism and its assertion that “terrorism must never have a place in the world, anywhere” underscores its commitment to combating terrorism globally. The statement that Germany and India have been “fostering a regular dialogue on the fight against terrorism for years” and that they intend to “intensify it further” highlights the close cooperation between the two countries in this area. This cooperation includes sharing intelligence, exchanging best practices, and coordinating their efforts to counter terrorist threats. India's resolve not to succumb to “nuclear blackmail,” as stated by Jaishankar, is a strong statement of defiance against any threats from Pakistan. This statement reflects India's determination to pursue its national interests without being intimidated by Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Jaishankar's assertion that India will “deal with Pakistan purely bilaterally” signals India's preference for resolving its disputes with Pakistan through direct negotiations, without the involvement of third parties. This position has been consistently maintained by India, which believes that bilateral dialogue is the most effective way to address the complex issues that divide the two countries. His emphasis that “there should be no confusion in any quarter in that regard” reinforces the clarity and firmness of India's position. The appreciation for Germany's “understanding that every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism” reiterates the importance of international support for India's counter-terrorism efforts. Germany's support is particularly valuable because it comes from a country that is a leading voice in the international community and a strong advocate for human rights and the rule of law.
In conclusion, the Pahalgam terror attack has served as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region and the challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability. Jaishankar's strong condemnation of the attack, his articulation of India's counter-terrorism strategy, and his reaffirmation of India's commitment to bilateral dialogue with Pakistan all underscore the importance of a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to addressing the complex issues that divide the two countries. Germany's support for India's counter-terrorism efforts and its advocacy for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute represent a valuable contribution to the international effort to combat terrorism and promote peace and stability in the region. The international community must continue to work together to address the root causes of terrorism, support efforts to promote peace and reconciliation, and ensure that those responsible for terrorist attacks are brought to justice. Furthermore, India's stance reflects a broader global concern regarding state-sponsored terrorism. The international community increasingly recognizes the need to hold states accountable for their support of terrorist groups, whether through direct funding, training, or providing safe havens. This principle is enshrined in international law and is essential for preventing future attacks and ensuring that justice is served. The long-term implications of the Pahalgam attack and its aftermath remain to be seen. However, it is clear that the attack has further complicated the already fraught relationship between India and Pakistan and has highlighted the urgent need for a renewed effort to address the underlying causes of conflict and promote peace and stability in the region. Effective counter-terrorism strategies require a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthening border security, disrupting terrorist financing networks, countering extremist propaganda, and promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. It also requires close cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services. Ultimately, lasting peace and stability in the region will require a comprehensive political solution that addresses the underlying grievances and aspirations of all stakeholders. This will require a willingness to compromise, to engage in constructive dialogue, and to build trust and confidence between the parties. The international community can play a crucial role in facilitating this process by providing support, encouragement, and mediation. The condemnation of the Pahalgam attack serves as a crucial first step, but sustained effort and international cooperation are essential to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
Source: ‘Pahalgam terror attack meant to harm Kashmir tourism, sow religious discord,’ says Jaishankar