United India Under Fire: Pahalgam Bloodshed and the Dangerous Politics of Hate

The massacre of tourists in Pahalgam must be unequivocally condemned, but our response should go beyond outrage. This attack has multiple ramifications, precisely what the terrorists and their cross-border handlers intended. The idea of a composite and united India has always posed a challenge to those who justified the partition of the country under various pretexts. There is no doubt that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be sustained without the active support of Pakistan’s military leadership and religious political parties, for whom such acts serve as a convenient way to collect chanda (donations) across regions.

How we address this issue must be handled with diplomatic wisdom—not through rhetorical challenges or divisive politics at home.

The BJP and its leaders must understand that the call for a united India is not mere rhetoric—it is a fundamental necessity for building national strength. This is not the time for blame games or reinforcing ideological positions. What we are witnessing is an attack on India by Pakistan-supported terrorist outfits. The challenge lies in isolating and eliminating them, a goal that cannot be achieved through vote-bank politics or by appeasing bhakts (fanatical supporters).

The key is not to fall into their trap, even as we strengthen security at the borders and across the country. Jammu and Kashmir was returning to normalcy, and tourists had started visiting the region again. Once tourism and business thrive, many of the region’s problems would dissipate—something the terrorists are desperate to prevent. Their goal is to keep the state under permanent military presence so they can push the narrative of “Islam khatre mein hai” and justify their calls for jihad.

The ruling party must refrain from using this tragic incident to stoke anti-Muslim sentiments across the country. This is not a Hindu-Muslim issue, but a war being waged against India by terror groups based in Pakistan. These terrorists cannot survive without the support of Pakistan’s military establishment and religious leaders who remain driven by the unfinished, religion-based partition agenda.

Other questions—such as whether President’s Rule is better or whether the army should be given more powers—are technical in nature. What we must remember is that Pakistan wants Kashmir to remain in chaos and under military control so it can continue its propaganda about India violating Kashmiri rights. A democratically elected government bringing stability and normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir is the last thing Pakistan wants, as it directly undermines their narrative. Therefore, those calling for President’s Rule should avoid making such misguided demands.

Our condolences and solidarity are with the families and loved ones of all the innocent tourists slaughtered by barbarians in Pahalgam. Let us stay united and vigilant in this critical hour and defeat the designs of terrorists who seek to further their hateful agenda through bloodshed and division.