Guwahati, May 2: The recent attack in Pahalgam has reignited discussions on Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism, particularly following a pointed remark from Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir. Security expert Lt Gen DB Shekatkar (retd) emphasized the link between Munir’s statement—that Kashmir is the “jugular vein” of Islamabad—and the attack, suggesting it highlights Pakistan’s direct and indirect role in fostering unrest.
In an interview with The Assam Tribune, Lt Gen Shekatkar noted that Pakistan has a long-standing history of funding and harboring terrorists to destabilize not just India, but the broader region. He criticized the continued efforts by Pakistan to disrupt peace, declaring that global awareness of these tactics is essential.
India, he argued, has already initiated robust measures such as putting the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, asserting that cutting off water supplies could have severe repercussions for Pakistan. He called for India to demonstrate both military and diplomatic strength to deter future aggression. Shekatkar cited the effective response following the Pulwama attack, when India launched strikes against terrorist camps, resulting in a significant lull in such activities.
Highlighting the strategic nature of the Pahalgam attack, Shekatkar insisted that such incidents require local support for execution, suggesting that the assailants could not have operated without assistance in terms of resources and shelter. He urged security forces to identify and penalize those who provide help to terrorists, positing that strong actions would deter future collaborations with these groups.
Having served in Kashmir in various capacities, including as a Major General, Shekatkar raised concerns over the targeting of tourists—a significant shift from previous patterns in the region. He pointed out that historically, even during the peak of terrorist activity, tourists were rarely harmed. This new focus on tourism, which has seen a resurgence in recent years, is troubling as it signals a deliberate attempt to undermine the local economy, particularly in a region reliant on tourism revenue.
As Kashmir continues to attract visitors, the implications of such attacks are profound. Shekatkar contends that the targeting of tourists serves a dual purpose: it aims to instill fear and hinder the burgeoning tourism industry, which Pakistan seems intent on disrupting. This shift in tactics underscores a worrying trend in terrorism that could jeopardize both local livelihoods and regional stability.
In conclusion, the Pahalgam attack not only highlights the complex dynamics of insurgency in Kashmir but also reflects Pakistan’s ongoing influence in sustaining violent activities in the region. Addressing this challenge will require coordinated efforts, robust military strategies, and a commitment to preserving peace, particularly in areas vital to tourism and local economies.
Tags: National, Featured, Terrorism, Kashmir, India-Pakistan Relations, Tourism, Security.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/national/pakistan-is-behind-the-pahalgam-attack-india-must-act-tough-retd-security-expert-1575985
Category : National,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 11:21:00
