What Should India Do Next in Kashmir? A Clear and Strong Response Needed

Start writing...The brutal terror attack on Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, a peaceful and scenic area in South Kashmir, has once again shaken the entire country. This incident, where innocent lives were lost, has sparked a major question in the minds of every Indian: What should India do next? How should our nation respond to such a clear and cruel act of terrorism?

Understanding the Real Problem

To find the right solution, we must first understand the real problem. This wasn’t just an isolated terror attack. It is part of a bigger pattern—a long-running strategy used by Pakistan against India. Pakistan, especially its Punjabi Muslim ruling class that controls the army, intelligence services, and government, has always been obsessed with India’s Kashmir Valley. They know they cannot defeat India in a traditional war, so instead, they have chosen a different path—terrorism.

For years, Pakistan has used terrorism as a weapon to weaken India. The idea is simple: if they cannot win in direct battle, they will cause trouble through secret attacks, using groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These groups are supported, trained, and protected by the Pakistani state and its army, which is largely dominated by Punjabi Muslims from upper castes.

The Role of Geography in Terrorism

There are two main areas in Pakistan that play a big role in terrorism in Kashmir:

1. Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK)

This area, which rightfully belongs to India, has been under Pakistan’s illegal control since 1947. Terror training camps and launching pads are set up here. Most terrorists cross into India from this region, especially through North Kashmir. The mountains and forests make it easy for them to sneak in without being noticed. PoJK gives Pakistan the land it needs to continue sending terrorists into our territory.

2. Pakistani Punjab Province

This is the heart of Pakistan’s anti-India activities. Most of the foreign terrorists attacking in Kashmir are Punjabi Muslims from this region. The leadership of both LeT and JeM comes from here. The head of LeT, Hafiz Saeed, runs operations from Muridke, a city near Lahore. JeM, on the other hand, is led by Masood Azhar and is based in Bahawalpur, in Southern Punjab.

While the rich and powerful leaders of these terrorist groups come from Northern Punjab, many of the actual fighters come from the poorer, southern part of the province. These young men, often from low-income families, are brainwashed and used as foot soldiers in Pakistan’s war against India.

So, What Should India Do?

India cannot let Pakistan get away with such attacks again and again. It is time for a clear, bold, and lasting response. Here are two strong steps India must take:

1. Take Back PoJK

PoJK is legally and historically a part of India. Reclaiming this territory would not only restore India’s rights but also destroy the base from where most terrorists are trained and sent into India. Once PoJK is back under Indian control, Pakistan will lose a major advantage. It will stop the easy flow of terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC) and break the backbone of Pakistan’s terrorism strategy in Kashmir.

Reclaiming PoJK is not just about territory. It is about security and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. Without PoJK, Pakistan will no longer be able to support terrorism in the same way.

2. Target Terror Headquarters in Pakistan

India also needs to strike at the roots of terrorism inside Pakistan. If we truly want to end attacks like the one in Pahalgam, we must hit where it hurts the most—Muridke and Bahawalpur. These are the places where LeT and JeM are based, and they are openly operating with full support from the Pakistani state.

Yes, targeting these places means crossing the international border. But if Pakistan can keep sending terrorists into India, India has every right to defend itself and respond. Such action will send a strong message—not just to Pakistan, but to the entire world—that India will not stay silent anymore.

Building National and Global Support

To take such bold steps, India needs unity at home and support from other countries. The good news is that many nations—including the USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran—have supported India after the Pahalgam attack. With careful planning and a strong political will, India can take firm action with the world’s backing.

The time for soft words is over. The people of India want peace, but peace can only come when there is justice. And justice means making sure those who harm innocent lives pay a heavy price.

Conclusion

Terrorism is not just a law and order problem—it’s a national security threat. Pakistan must be made to realize that it cannot use terror as a tool without consequences. India’s response must be strategic, bold, and clear. Reclaiming PoJK and targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan are necessary steps for long-term peace in Kashmir.

India must act now. Not just to punish the guilty, but to protect future generations from the pain and horror of terror.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.