Terror returns across Jhelum

Peaceful elections in Kashmir after a decade and the ascension of a democratically elected government might have given sleepless nights to terrorists in the valley. Peace in Kashmir is tantamount to questioning the very existence of terrorists. Kashmir in tranquillity is something difficult for terrorists to assimilate. They want Jhelum River to flow in the colour of blood and so have lately orchestrated yet another deadly attack in the valley. A doctor and six labourers were killed in an attack by terrorists in Gagangir area of ​​Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night.

All the migrant labourers were in the valley for the construction of a tunnel. The terrorists ambushed while they were returning to the camp after the day’s work. The search for terrorists in the area is going on. The recent attack is also a bid to posture Kashmir as a perennially troubled location in front of the world. This would isolate the valley from the rest and tourism would also deplete invariably.

The attack should also be viewed through a different lens as it has not been barely one week since Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar visited Pakistan and warned the host nation to end abetting terrorism in the valley. Was this attack an implicit response to Jaishankar?

This is the first time since 2015 that an Indian foreign minister has visited Pakistan. Terrorists have doubts that this meeting will lead to normalization of relations between the two countries. The attack can also be viewed as a tactic to ward off any chances of rapprochement between the two countries.

Unlike attacking military camps or border security forces, terrorists are now aiming at civilians which is unapologetic and barbaric. This may be an attempt to put the newly sworn-in government at bay. The construction of tunnels and smoothing of roads pose a challenge to terrorist movements. Taking advantage of the Diwali festival, people and security forces should be on high alert as terrorists are likely to attempt blasts at many locations.

There are rumours about Khalistan terrorists operating from Canada and various terrorist groups such as religious fundamentalists operating from Pakistan planning a joint attack on India. Rumours may not be true, but the animosity has now reached a crescendo that it would be unwise to take any rumours lightly. No words would do justice to the civilians who lost their lives in such a tragic manner. Apart from condolences and shock, it is the need of the hour for the newly formed government in Kashmir to take a side.