Return of terror points to need for constant vigil

The targeted killing of two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam district is an attempt by terrorist organisations, backed by Pakistan, to keep Jammu and Kashmir simmering. Less than two weeks after a constable of the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was murdered by terrorists, the first attack on migrant workers in the Valley since 2024 comes amid the peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra and two years after the assembly election saw a heartening turnout of voters. The attack on Friday, along with the killing of the J-K Special Operations Group constable, may point to a changing strategy on the part of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and its alleged offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), and their handlers in Pakistan. It could also be a consequence of Rawalpindi’s growing challenges on its western front as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In the last six years, 25 migrants have been killed in the Valley by terrorists. Behind the targeting of these workers — Deepak Ratre (24) and Bhupinder Bhaina (25) worked at a brick kiln in Kulgam — is a cynical calculus: Targeted killings of vulnerable groups, which do not involve large casualties, are a way of circumventing the consequences that may now be invited by larger, more spectacular acts of terror. From the surgical strikes after the Uri attack in 2016 to Balakot in 2019 down to Operation Sindoor, New Delhi has raised the cost of backing terrorists for Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Proxies of proxy groups — like the TRF of the LeT, the latter itself a creation of Pakistan — are also a way for the Pakistan Army to maintain deniability for its role in cross-border terrorism. Rawalpindi has also long sought to blame India for its own crises in managing discontents in places like Balochistan and along the Durand Line. An attack in Kashmir is a way to assuage a small but important constituency within Pakistan’s armed and intelligence forces.

For New Delhi and Srinagar, the task ahead is complex but clear. First, the intelligence network — especially HUMINT — must be strengthened. It remains the surest way of preventing attacks. Second, social cohesion and respect for diversity remain India’s greatest strengths and should be seen as assets in the battle against radicalisation. Third, security forces and the Centre must involve the government and parties of J&K in the fight against terrorism. While the guilty must be brought to book, the campaign against terrorism mustn’t punish innocent people. Ensuring that there is no fertile soil for false propaganda from across the border to take root is one of the surest defences against the terrorists’ agenda.

Overall Analysis

The editorial examines the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of two migrant workers, arguing that the incident is part of a deliberate strategy by Pakistan-backed terrorist organisations to keep the region unstable. Rather than treating the attack as an isolated event, the author places it within the broader context of cross-border terrorism, changing militant tactics, and India’s security response.

The editorial begins by highlighting the timing of the attack. It points out that the killings occurred during the peaceful Amarnath Yatra and after successful democratic developments in Jammu and Kashmir, including a high voter turnout in the Assembly elections. The author suggests that terrorists deliberately choose such moments to undermine peace and create fear. The language is factual yet cautionary, indicating that terrorism is evolving rather than disappearing.

The second part analyses the changing strategy of terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF). Instead of carrying out large-scale attacks that invite strong military retaliation, these organisations are now resorting to targeted killings of vulnerable civilians, such as migrant workers and local security personnel. The editorial argues that these attacks involve a calculated strategy to spread insecurity while avoiding the consequences of high-profile terrorist incidents. By referring to India’s responses through surgical strikes, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor, the writer explains that Pakistan-backed groups have adapted their methods to reduce direct retaliation while continuing to pursue their objectives.

The editorial also examines Pakistan’s internal challenges, suggesting that instability within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir may be encouraging its military establishment to intensify activities in Kashmir as a diversionary tactic. This argument reflects the author’s belief that cross-border terrorism is closely linked to Pakistan’s domestic political and strategic calculations.

In the concluding section, the editorial shifts from analysis to policy recommendations. It stresses that strengthening intelligence gathering, particularly Human Intelligence (HUMINT), remains the most effective way to prevent terrorist attacks. At the same time, it argues that security alone is insufficient. Social harmony, communal unity, and political participation by the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir are equally important in preventing radicalisation and defeating terrorist propaganda. The editorial cautions that while terrorists must be punished firmly, innocent citizens should never become victims of excessive security measures, as such actions could weaken public trust and indirectly benefit terrorist organisations.

Overall, the editorial presents a balanced argument by combining security concerns with democratic principles. It advocates vigilance, effective intelligence, and inclusive governance as the most sustainable response to terrorism.

Important Vocabulary (5)

1. Circumvent – To find a way around a problem or avoid something.
2. Calculus – A carefully considered method or strategy for decision-making.
3. Deniability – The ability to deny responsibility for an action.
4. Assuage – To reduce or relieve fear, anxiety, or dissatisfaction.
5. Radicalisation – The process through which individuals adopt extremist beliefs or ideologies.

Conclusion & Tone

The editorial argues that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has not disappeared but has changed its methods. It calls for continuous vigilance through stronger intelligence, political cooperation, and preservation of social harmony. The author emphasizes that defeating terrorism requires not only military preparedness but also democratic inclusiveness and public trust.

Tone: Analytical, cautionary, strategic, and balanced.