Pahalgam Attack Aimed at Jammu & Kashmir’s Economy and Unity, Says EAM Jaishankar
Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar made a forceful statement, stressing that the violence was not only an act of terror but also a calculated attempt to sabotage social harmony and the economic recovery of Jammu & Kashmir. The attack has rekindled national concerns about security, economic sabotage, and communal provocation in the area. It targeted a tourist vehicle in the picturesque town of Pahalgam, which is a major pillar of Kashmir’s tourism economy.
The attack was carefully planned to occur during the busiest spring travel season, when thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad swarm the Valley, according to government and intelligence sources. In order to instill fear, impede economic activity, and damage the perception of normalcy that has slowly returned to the Union Territory in recent years, militants targeted a well-known tourist destination.
Economic Disruption as a Terror Tactic
“This was not a random act,” EAM Jaishankar said in reference to the incident’s strategic nature. Its goal was to cut off Jammu & Kashmir’s economic lifelines. These attacks aim to snuff out the region’s tourism industry, which is its lifeblood. He also reaffirmed the government’s determination to combat terrorism with zero tolerance while maintaining the uninterrupted flow of economic and development activity in Kashmir.
As non-state actors increasingly target infrastructure, livelihood sources, and communal symbols in an effort to promote instability, the attack’s timing and location do, in fact, reflect a broader trend in asymmetric warfare. Over the past two years, Kashmir has begun to re-emerge as a popular travel destination, with tourism revenues rising as a result of enhanced infrastructure, ongoing peace efforts, and international outreach. Years of progress could be undone by the Pahalgam incident.
Unity Under Fire
The underlying attempt to rekindle communal fault lines at a time when Kashmiris of all faiths are working together for peace and development is what makes this attack particularly pernicious. Jaishankar pointed out that these attacks are intended to use fear as a political tool to polarize local populations and stoke religious sentiments.
He urged local stakeholders and citizens to stay vigilant and united so that these forces cannot thwart the region’s socioeconomic revival. “Those who deal in terror will not determine Kashmir’s future,” he declared.
Security Prioritized, Development Will Continue
Central and state authorities have stepped up surveillance, launched coordinated counter-terror operations, and increased troop presence in sensitive areas in response to the incident. Nonetheless, New Delhi’s political message is still unambiguous: security precautions won’t impede the government’s efforts to advance development in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Center is committed to turning Kashmir’s vulnerability into resilience through sustained investment in infrastructure, education, job programs, and tourism promotion—a strategy that combines people-centered development with security-first governance.
A Retrospective Moment
The Pahalgam attack, which is still being investigated, is a sobering reminder that those who wish to destabilize the area continue to target social cohesion and economic advancement. However, India maintains its position that the peace and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir cannot be compromised due to its strong political resolve and sense of community solidarity.
