The Last Shadow of Terrorism Must Be Eradicated From the Valley
Yogesh Kumar Goyal
Najafgarh (New Delhi)
Mobile: 94167-40584
While India’s history has, on one hand, been a land of spirituality, diversity, and the harmony of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), it has, on the other hand, faced numerous internal and external crises in both the past and the present. The most horrific among these crises is terrorism, which has not only continuously challenged the country’s security apparatus but has also shaken its social fabric. Terrorism is not a crisis limited to a specific geographical territory; rather, it is a crisis that wounds the consciousness of the entire nation. India has confronted this problem for decades across multiple levels, including military, diplomatic, social, and ideological fronts. To spread awareness against terrorism and promote peace and harmony, ‘National Anti-Terrorism Day’ is observed every year on May 21. Observed on May 21, this day is not only a commemoration of this struggle but is also a day of a pledge, demonstrating that India will not tolerate terrorism in any form.
The Kashmir Valley has been the witness to India’s longest, most sensitive, and most decisive struggle against terrorism. Once renowned for its unique natural beauty, Sufi traditions, cultural richness, and identity as ‘Heaven on Earth’, this valley passed through a dreadful era of terror, bloodshed, and instability for the last three decades. The systematic manner in which radicalism and terrorism took root in the valley after 1990 was not merely local discontent but part of a deep conspiracy hatched across the border, aimed at hurting India’s unity, integrity, and social harmony. This era devastated thousands of families, snatched the lives of countless innocents, and forced an entire generation to live under the shadow of fear, insecurity, and violence.
Government figures reveal that nearly 42,000 lives have been lost in the thousands of terrorist incidents that occurred in the valley so far, including innocent civilians, brave jawans of the security forces, and terrorists. According to the report of the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), between the years 2000 and 2024, a total of 22,143 minor and major terrorist attacks were recorded in the valley, in which 4,981 ordinary civilians lost their lives, while 3,624 security personnel were martyred while protecting the motherland. During this same period, the Indian Army and security forces displayed exemplary courage and strategic capability, neutralizing 24,512 terrorists. These are not merely statistics but the saga of the unparalleled valor, sacrifice, and nationalism of those brave jawans who ensured the country’s security by sacrificing their lives. However, over the past decade, India’s anti-terrorism policy has become more aggressive, technology-enabled, and strategically effective. According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 7,217 terrorist attacks took place across the country between 2004 and 2014, whereas between 2014 and 2024, this number reduced to less than 2,242. During this period, casualties resulting from terrorist violence recorded a decrease of more than 70 percent. The 81 percent drop in ordinary civilian deaths and approximately 50 percent decline in the martyrdom of security personnel is a clear indication that India’s robust security strategy, empowered intelligence grid, and policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ has achieved significant success in break-ing the backbone of terror-ism. However, the statistics make it clear how deep and extensive the challenge of terrorism is, and with what strategic depth India has to operate to deal with it. Looking beyond the 2025 Pahalgam attack, the proof of the restoration of nor-malcy in the valley in recent years is that today its youth are returning to books, not guns. Student attendance in schools has risen, enroll-ment numbers in colleges and universities have increased, and a promising growth has been witnessed in the tourism sector as well. The rise in employ-ment opportunities has shown the youth the path to an alternative life. These signs make it clear that ter-ror can be defeated not just by military might, but also through social and econom-ic development. The people of the valley have now understood that the path of terror leads only toward destruction, whereas edu-cation, employment, and peace lead to prosperity. But challenges still remain in this journey because Pakistan still maintains a dual policy—talking of peace on one hand, while supporting terrorism on the other. Organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen still receive support from the ISI today. In this situation, India’s pol-icy toward terrorism has become even more strin-gent and clear: zero toler-ance toward terrorism. This policy is not merely a polit-ical statement but a firm strategy of execution. Satellite surveillance at the border, drone technology, equipping security forces with state-of-the-art weapons, and strengthen-ing civil-military coordina-tion are the main pillars of implementing this policy. India now also understands that terrorism is not just a security challenge but an ideological battle as well. It misleading the young mind and attempts to drive it toward violence. In such a scenario, the re-establish-ment of education, social harmony, and culture is essential. If peace is to be made permanent in the val-ley, then not just military pressure but psychological and ideological efforts are also absolutely vital. The youth must be reassured that the path to nation-building is paved only through talent, hard work, and positive thinking. They must be told that guns bring only ruin, while books build the future. Today, as India observes National Anti-Terrorism Day, this day is not merely a day of mourning or remembrance but is a symbol of an ongo-ing resolve. It reminds us that the fight against terror does not belong to the army alone, but is the responsibility of every citi-zen. When every section of society—intellectuals, youth, women, farmers, traders—becomes a partici-pant in this struggle, only then are the roots of terror shaken. The direction in which India is moving strengthens the belief that the day is not far when the Kashmir Valley will once again be known solely for the shade of Chinar trees, the tranquility of its lakes, and the sweetness of Sufi music. This will be possible only when even the last shadow of terror is erased, and a peaceful, prosperous, and united India is built on the strength of a shared resolve, a shared strategy, and shared action.