Over the past year, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has changed both geographically and stylistically. The worst incident occurred on 22 April 2025, near Pahalgam, where the forests killed 26 tourists. According to the Indian Foreign Secretary's statement, the attackers were members of the "Lashkar-ye-Tayyiba" group based in Pakistan and acted under a different name. This attack was carried out deliberately to strike at tourism and incite religious discord. In particular, on June 9, 2024, during an attack on a bus in the Reasi district, fire was opened on Indian pilgrims, and the vehicle was thrown into a ravine. Both incidents showed the intention to turn the conflict into a confessional direction and intimidate the pure population.
Change of geography
For many years, the main area was the Kashmir Valley. However, in 2024-2025, most of the attacks shifted to the Rajuri-Punch-Doda areas of Jammu south of Mount Pir Panjal. The forests, high mountain roads, and scattered villages in these areas allowed small groups to hide. The reports noted a significant increase in the number of attacks on security forces in Jammuda. On July 16, 2024, four Indian Army soldiers were killed in the Battle of Dod, and such clashes continued in 2025.
New tactics and weapons
The attackers are adapting to the new conditions, using small and well-prepared groups in the evening, short shots, and rapid forest disappearance. Among the seized weapons are M4 automatic rifles of US production and steel-core ammunition that can pierce the armor vest. Officials say that these weapons are coming through channels crossing the border. Similar data was recorded in the Katua and Punch events in 2024.
The Pahalgam Incident and Confessional Threat
According to the government's statement, the armed attack in Pahalgam was carried out with close-range headshots, with the main goal of instilling fear and disrupting the tourist season. Last year, 23 million tourists visited the country. The UN Security Council also condemned this weapon and called on planners and financiers to be held accountable.
Attacks on civilians
Residents outside of Jammu and Kashmir are also targeted. In October 2024, seven people were killed near the tunnel construction site, six of whom were migrant workers. This shows that workers have become the main target. At the same time, security personnel were also killed in 2024 in Dodada and in 2025 in Kulgam. Pilgrims and tourists were attacked in Reas in 2024 and Pahalgam in 2025.
Terrorist groups and masks
Behind many attacks are various fronts and fake names of organizations based in Pakistan. The Resistance Front (TRF) took charge of the Pahalgam offensive, but then began to remain silent due to pressure. In July 2025, the US declared TRF a foreign terrorist organization. India supported this step, as it aligns with the arguments in the struggle.
India's response
Over the past year, India has taken decisive and multifaceted measures. After Pahalgam, the security system introduced new methods in the valley and via Pir Panjal, with a series of successful operations conducted in May-June 2025. The authorities also strengthened "soft targets." For example, roads for the 2025 Amaranth pilgrimage were temporarily declared a "no-fly zone," and air surveillance was intensified to eliminate threats through drones.
Diplomatic and political approach
On May 7, 2025, the Foreign Secretary openly stated India's position: the attackers and their supporters are outside the border, and India responds with measurement and caution. This statement became an important signal for the country's population and the international community - India protects life, economy, and social well-being.
Conclusion
The threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is changing and manifesting itself with new tactics. Moving from the valley to the mountainous regions of Jammu created new difficulties. However, India's multifaceted response in the security, diplomatic, and international spheres indicates an understanding of the complexity of the threat. The main goal is to protect human life, maintain economic growth, and prevent terrorism from leading to fear and division.
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