Kashmir is once again a stage for political messaging. Explore how terror attacks like Pahalgam are being used to provoke, manipulate, and send signals.
Kashmir, often referred to as the “crown” of India, has always held immense political, cultural, and emotional significance. However, in recent years, the region has once again become a focal point for political messaging—this time through violent means. The Pahalgam terror attack, where militants targeted civilians, is a prime example of how the valley continues to be a battleground for sending political statements, not just terrorizing the local population. The words spoken by terrorists during this attack—“Jao Modi Ji ko batao”—underscore a deeper strategy that militants have been following for decades: using Kashmir as a platform to provoke the Indian government, challenge its authority, and attract international attention.
Kashmir’s Political Significance
Kashmir has long been a political flashpoint, not only for India and Pakistan but also for international diplomacy. The region’s territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, going back to 1947, has shaped its identity. Kashmir became a part of India through the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, a decision that Pakistan has never fully accepted. Over the decades, the region has been the site of numerous skirmishes, militant insurgencies, and terror attacks fueled by political and religious ideologies.
More recently, Kashmir’s position as an Indian Muslim-majority state has made it the symbol of India’s secularism and a touchstone for India-Pakistan relations. This makes Kashmir a critical component in the larger context of nationalism and identity within both countries.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Political Statement
The Pahalgam terror attack, which took place in April 2025, left the nation shaken. In this specific attack, militants killed a soldier and then targeted civilians. But it wasn’t just about the attack itself—it was the words that came afterward: “Jao Modi Ji ko batao” (“Go tell Modi Ji”). These words were not just a taunt but a clear and calculated political message aimed directly at the Indian government.
By calling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi specifically, the militants tried to directly involve the highest levels of the Indian state in the conversation. This was a deliberate psychological maneuver to put India’s leadership in the spotlight, to challenge their authority, and to send a message of defiance. Such words are an indication that the terrorists are not just targeting people—they are targeting the state and its leadership, trying to provoke a reaction, gain media attention, and manipulate public perception.
The Role of Kashmir in India-Pakistan Politics
Kashmir remains a central piece in the India-Pakistan conflict. Both countries have fought multiple wars over the region, and it continues to be a source of tension in their bilateral relationship. For Pakistan, Kashmir is not just a territorial dispute but also a question of religious identity. By supporting militant groups in Kashmir, Pakistan aims to undermine Indian sovereignty and internationalize the Kashmir issue.
On the Indian side, Kashmir is seen as an integral part of the nation, and any attack on the region is seen as a challenge to India’s integrity and secularism. In this context, Kashmir becomes more than just a piece of land—it becomes a symbol of national pride and a test of India’s resolve to protect its sovereignty.
The Pahalgam attack is an example of how militants continue to use the region to not only assert their ideology but also send a political message to both governments and the international community. By attacking key areas like tourist destinations, they aim to disrupt the peace process, send ripples through the tourism industry, and challenge the Indian state’s control over the region.
Militant Strategy: Psychological Warfare
The line “Jao Modi Ji ko batao” represents a shift in militant strategy. Traditionally, terror attacks have focused on inflicting casualties and creating fear. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward psychological warfare. This is a strategy where words, symbols, and actions are used to manipulate public sentiment, create fear, and provoke a specific reaction.
Militants are no longer just trying to harm—they are attempting to influence the political narrative and influence the decisions of India’s leadership. By specifically invoking the name of the Prime Minister, the militants hope to force a political response that draws international attention to Kashmir and the larger India-Pakistan conflict.
This type of symbolic violence is not new, but it has become more sophisticated with the rise of digital media. Social media amplifies the emotional impact of these statements, allowing the messages to spread rapidly and gather a significant amount of attention both nationally and globally.
The Impact on India’s Domestic Politics and Tourism
The Pahalgam attack and the use of political language by militants underscore the fragility of the situation in Kashmir. The attack not only affected the local population but also has wider ramifications for national security and tourism.
Tourism in Kashmir has been one of the main sources of income for local businesses. Attacks like the Pahalgam incident, particularly when tourist destinations are targeted, create a chilling effect. Tourists become wary of visiting a region where violence is seen as unpredictable and politically motivated. This, in turn, has a direct economic impact on the locals who depend on tourism dollars for their livelihood.
On a political level, the attack challenged the Indian government’s ability to keep its promise of restoring peace in Kashmir. After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, the Indian government claimed that it was working to bring peace and prosperity to the region. However, incidents like the Pahalgam attack reveal the ongoing instability and the political complexities that continue to define the situation.
India’s Response: Strengthened Resolve or Escalating Conflict?
India’s response to such incidents has evolved. Initially, attacks were met with a mix of military operations and political rhetoric. However, in recent years, India has sought to strengthen its intelligence network, increase military presence, and engage in diplomatic outreach to tackle the root causes of violence in Kashmir. But it’s clear that these strategies are not foolproof.
The terrorists’ political messaging through the Pahalgam attack has placed additional pressure on India’s response, particularly from the international community. India’s security forces continue to carry out operations to neutralize militant groups, but these attacks highlight the complexity of dealing with homegrown militancy, cross-border terrorism, and the political ramifications of Kashmir’s status.
Conclusion
Kashmir’s role as a political battlefield is far from over. The Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent terrorist messaging show how militants are using the region not just for violence but as a means to make a political statement. By targeting both civilians and the leadership of the Indian government, these attacks highlight the psychological warfare that has become a cornerstone of modern-day terrorism.
The situation in Kashmir remains fluid, and while India continues to face these challenges, it must also find a way to balance security with peace-building efforts. The world’s attention will remain on Kashmir, and the actions of both India and Pakistan will continue to shape the region’s future.
Would you like to explore further how international diplomacy can play a role, or should we focus on the economic repercussions of violence in Kashmir next?
