Areas that witnessed a relative decline in terrorist incidents and greater integration after Article 370 are repealed may now see situation worsening and revert to the first square. The Pahalgam massacre could reshape the state’s security and political landscape.
Amit Shah after the terrorist attack
Will Jamu and Kashmir return to the first party after the latest terrorist attacks in the Ananthnag area of the state? It is undeniable that the attacks killed 26 civilians could prove to be a turning point or a major change in the trajectory of the situation. Areas that witnessed a relative decline in terrorist incidents and greater integration after Article 370 are repealed may now see situation worsening and revert to the first square. The Pahalgam massacre could reshape the state’s security and political landscape.
Large-scale security clamps on the valley?
Analysts believe that under the guidance of the Union’s Home Minister Amit Shah, Governor Lieutenant Manoj Sinha, may order the state to face a large-scale military struggle. The valleys, especially in South Kashmir and its Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Pahalgam areas, may again be subject to stricter control and surveillance. Security forces may be more stringent, while adding annoyance, surveillance and cordons and search operations.
Security forces may re-strengthen the counterinsurgency drive if the report can be trusted. They may pursue cadres on the Resistance Front (TRF) and other agents of Pakistani terrorists Lashkar-e-toiba (Let). Security agencies can again curb and implement digital power outages to prevent the spread of publicity.
According to PTI, authorities are developing a plan to permanently deploy military and paramilitary forces on the hill overlooking the tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley.
The largest economy?
The Pahalgam massacre is most likely to suffer from the economic situation in Jamu and Kashmir. It is a major tourism hub and a gateway to Amarnath Yatra, and is the fulcrum of tourism. The latest terrorist attacks have broken the perception that tourist areas are safe. It could trigger cancellations, hurt local economies and cause massive anxiety. Visitors may abandon the valley and raid the associated commercial ecosystem with difficulty, while thousands of local young people may be abandoned.
It can be understood by the fact that approximately Rs 230 crore visited the state in fiscal year 2024-25. According to the official website of Jamu and Kashmir governments, 2,11,80,011 tourists visited the state in fiscal year 2023, while 1,88,84,317 visited the state in fiscal year 2022.
However, severe dents are most likely to be obtained. According to news agency PTI, nearly 90% of tourists’ bookings for Jamu and Kashmir were cancelled due to security concerns after the attack. Media reports also indicated that as many as 3,337 passengers flew out of Srinagar in 20 flights on Wednesday. Indigo, India and Spicejet are operating seven additional flights in addition to the normal planned services from Srinagar.
National demand for brock fuel?
Political observers believe that the political situation in Jamu and Kashmir may get worse. The state may suffer further, at least under the “security first” argument, and at least in the temporary existence of calls for restoring nations or elections may remain silent. In addition, local politicians, especially leaders of mainstream Kashmiris such as Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, may be in a narrow place. They may condemn their violence, but also question the policies of the coalition government.
