The Pahalgam Tragedy : A Call for Collective Action

The recent incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, brings light to the concerns about the Indian security apparatus. The attack resulted in the loss of 26 people, including 2 foreign nationals and 22 Hindus. The terrorists open fired on tourists, based on their religion under the disguise of army. Intelligence sources suggest that the attack was aided by The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, under the guidance of Saifullah Kasuri, a close aide of Hafiz Saeed. 

This incident led to a swift national response, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit and returning to India on Wednesday to chair Cabinet Committee for a Security meeting. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister met the grieving families of the victims and visited the attack site. Official sources suggest rumours that the victims were associated with intelligence agencies, adding that only one Intelligence Bureau official on leave was killed in front of his family; contributing to the complexity of the situation.

As students of political science, we are taught about the internal and external threats on security and the importance of strengthening our nation from within and outside its borders. The phrase "Naye Bharat ka Naya Kashmir" (New India's New Kashmir) often portrayed in our cinema and movies, symbolises a united and strengthened nation. However, the harsh reality of terrorism and violence based on religion is a stark contrast to such incidents, leaving us utterly heartbroken.

It's not just a regional problem but a deeply embedded societal issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The known ‘sone ki chidhiya’ or the golden bird with vastness of land, richness of resources, and prosperity of people; our land has been corrupted and divided into many nations over the course of many years. One of the major causes that contribute to the vulnerability of security is division among people. In the past, we were divided by many, and now we just divide ourselves for them. Why is it that we "belong" to a certain caste or state rather than the entire nation? Rather than glorifying caste, religion, region, and other diversified groups, why can't we accept that when we're brought down, we are not brought down as Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Hindu, or Muslim, but as Indians? It's terrifying that as Indians, we have to rethink visiting one part of our nation due to the fear of the worst. 

As we celebrate our diversity, let's not forget that at the end of the day, we are all Indians. Our rich cultural heritage is a reflection of our ability to accommodate and appreciate differences. However, this diversity should not be used as a tool to divide us, but rather as a strength that binds us together as one nation. It must not be our intention to blame others, instead we must unite to accomplish what our leaders established. 

The law makes a hundreds of provisions and continues to exercise its role, but it's high time that we, as one, accept our roles too. The Indian Constitution provides various provisions for national security, such as Article 355, which mandates the centre to protect states from external aggression and internal disturbance. While our Fundamental Rights are legally enforced, our Fundamental Duties enshrined in Article 51A are often overlooked. It's essential to recognise that upholding national unity and integrity is not just the state's responsibility but also ours as citizens. We must fulfil our Fundamental Duties to respect each other, rather than being divided and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to attacks from others. By doing so, we can build a more secure and united nation.

I perceive that the security challenges we face today require a collective effort from both the state and its citizens. As we strive to build a stronger and more united nation, it is important to recognise that our duties are just as essential as our rights. We can overcome the divisions that threaten the fabric of our nation by embracing our responsibilities and working together. Let us stand united as Indians; beyond caste, religion, and region, and work towards a brighter future for our nation.

Until next time

Signing off,

Levishka Khurana