Amit Mehra The recent terrorist attack has once again shaken the soul of our nation. It is chilling to imagine how many families spent their nights engulfed in anxiety, tears, and despair. How can anyone sleep peacefully when innocent people are selectively murdered based on their religion? This was not just an assault on tourists—it was a targeted attack on Kashmir’s economy, its tourism sector, and the very fabric of its social harmony. Even a Muslim horseman, who was trying to save lives, was not spared. This chilling detail underscores that the attack was meant to ignite religious identity and deepen communal divides in our country. The handlers of such terrorist organizations in Pakistan are well aware: the more they stoke communal hatred in India, the more they benefit. As the entire nation burns with anger, we cannot ignore some fundamental questions. The most pressing among them: how did our security and intelligence agencies fail? If all leads can be activated after the attack, why weren’t there alerts before it happened? This is not the first time that such an act of violence has struck Kashmir. Yet, as always, we seem to have failed again. Accountability must be established. Beyond military retaliation, it is essential that those responsible for security lapses are held answerable—especially as such attacks are becoming increasingly frequent, and the sense of insecurity in the Valley continues to grow. Kashmir is once again sliding into shutdowns. Jammu observed a complete bandh today, and one has been called in Kashmir tomorrow. This is not just a reaction—it is a red flag. People are asking questions, not only from the opposition benches but from within the ruling BJP as well. When BJP’s own elected representatives are urging the Home Minister to restore peace and normalcy, it signals that the situation is far more serious than what the government might admit. It is time for the government to reflect deeply. The terrorists didn’t just fire bullets; they attacked India’s social unity. That’s why, today, we need to take three critical steps. First, the terrorists must be given a decisive and forceful response to show them and their handlers that India will not tolerate such conspiracies. Second, there must be a serious review of our security systems and intelligence networks, and accountability must be fixed. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the nation must come together as one to resist the spread of hatred, communalism, and violence—because the primary goal of terrorism is to break down the bonds of social cohesion. The ordinary citizens of Kashmir have paid a heavy price in this violence. In a single stroke, thousands lost their livelihoods. Hotels, taxi drivers, tour guides, shopkeepers—all are now living in fear and uncertainty. This attack was not just on lives; it was on livelihoods and dignity. The silver lining, however, is that this time, the people of Kashmir have not bowed to fear. They have raised their voices strongly against this act of terror. That unity is the most powerful answer to terrorism. On the other hand, a disturbing question also arises—how did private airlines dare to triple their fares at a time when the country is in mourning? This is not only inhumane but also a shameful display of profiteering during a crisis. Such acts demand strict action and immediate relief for those affected. For those in power, this is not the time for emotional speeches—it is the time for decisive action. Tweets and slogans won’t change the ground reality. This terrorist attack was not a mistake; it was a well-planned conspiracy. Therefore, the response cannot rely solely on bullets. It must be matched with policy, justice, and moral leadership. Today, India needs a voice that says—We are all one, and terror has no religion. India must eliminate such terrorist organizations, but this cannot be the task of the military alone. The public must also be a partner in this mission. And first and foremost, the ruling party must stop its IT cell from spreading divisive hate narratives—because, knowingly or unknowingly, they are doing exactly what the terrorists want: dividing us from within. (The writer is social and political activist)
