The tragic incident in Behibagh, Kulgam, where a retired Army soldier, was martyred, and his wife and niece were injured in a terror attack, is a stark reminder of the persistent violence that continues to plague J&K. This heinous act not only snuffed out the life of a man who had served his nation with honour but also left a family shattered and a community in mourning. The attack underscores the urgent need for justice, peace, and a renewed commitment to eradicating the scourge of militancy from the region. Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, after his retirement in 2021, returned to his hometown, hoping to lead a peaceful life with his family. However, the peace he sought was brutally snatched away when terrorists targeted him in a cowardly attack.
The attack on Wagay and his family is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger pattern of violence that has gripped Jammu and Kashmir for decades. Terrorism, fuelled by external forces and internal discontent, has claimed countless lives, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. The targeting of a retired soldier, who had hung up his uniform and was leading a civilian life, is particularly reprehensible. It reflects the cowardice of the attackers, who chose to strike at a man who was no longer in service and posed no threat to them. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of civilians in the region. While the condition of the injured is reported to be stable, the psychological scars of such a traumatic experience will linger for a lifetime. The fact that a young girl, who should be focusing on her education and future, was caught in the crossfire of militancy is a grim reminder of the collateral damage that such violence inflicts on innocent lives.
In the wake of the attack, security forces have initiated a search operation to track down and apprehend the perpetrators. Such measures are essential to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The roots of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir are deeply complex and multifaceted, leaving no room for complacency. Terror masterminds remain constantly on the lookout for opportunities to strike, relentlessly altering their strategies with the sole objective of disrupting peace and asserting their presence. Their complete disregard for humanity is evident in their repeated targeting of innocent civilians. A matter of concern is that terrorists continue to choose their targets and strike at will, sustaining an atmosphere of fear despite the relentless efforts of police and security forces. While many active terrorists and terror modules have been neutralised, the underground network remains intact.
One of the most alarming aspects of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is the persistent radicalisation of youth. Terror masterminds continue to recruit fresh cadres, perpetuating a cycle of violence that remains largely unabated. Even a single act of terrorism has a profound psychological impact on the people of J&K, reinforcing a climate of fear. This fear psychosis allows terrorist handlers to maintain their influence over the region. With the frequency of terror incidents having reduced, the focus must now shift towards further strengthening intelligence networks. With security forces having established area dominance, enhancing intelligence gathering should not be a challenging task for local law enforcement agencies.
At the same time, the government must develop a comprehensive long-term strategy to counter radicalisation and foster societal cohesion. With law and order largely under control and tourism flourishing in Kashmir, the conditions are favourable for initiating structured measures to address radicalisation at its roots. Breaking the chain of terrorism requires more than just military and intelligence efforts-it demands a fundamental shift in the mindset of disillusioned and radicalised youth. This necessitates a well-planned, meticulous approach that integrates education, economic opportunities, and community engagement. The time is ripe for implementing such a strategy to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
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