Pahalgam Incident Exposes IIOJK’s Unresolved Crisis Under Modi’s Rule

The tragic attack in Pahalgam that left number of tourists dead is a reminder that peace in IIOJK remains elusive — despite promises, the region is still entangled in violence, repression, and deep-rooted grievances.

The recent attack in Pahalgam has shattered Modi’s prolonged peace narrative in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) . The incident, which killed innocent tourists, reveals how the government’s strategy has failed to address the region’s longstanding issues.

Modi swiftly condemned the attack and took the return flight from Saudi Arabia just to fulfil the formalities of the head of the Indian government. Schools, businesses, and public spaces in Muslim-majority IIOJK were shut down, following what Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called one of the deadliest assaults in recent years neglecting the atrocities in IIOJK at the hand of Indian troops.

Although This isn’t an isolated case. A series of less-reported violent incidents have occurred, contradicting the Indian government’s claims that normalcy has returned to IIOJK under Modi’s rule. The region remains one of the most militarized zones in the world.

In 2019, the Modi government revoked Article 370, arguing it was necessary to end terrorism and promote development. However, the latest attack — just 90 kilometers from Srinagar — proves that those goals were different. Home Minister Amit Shah recently claimed permanent peace was near, but reality tells a different story.

Although the perpetrators are still unknown, the attack is likely to heighten tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s foreign office condemned the violence, while Indian authorities reacted by suspending a historic water treaty and scaling back diplomatic relations.

Modi had promised economic growth in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir after scrapping its autonomy, but foreign investments have been minimal. Instead, locals report increased military pressure, religious polarization, and threats to land and job rights—further disempowering the Kashmiri people.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized India’s use of anti-terror laws to silence dissent, enforce travel bans, and control media. Such repression has only deepened resentment, even as the recent local elections saw a 63.8% voter turnout, with anti-BJP parties gaining ground.

Rather than imposing stricter curbs, the government now has a chance to engage meaningfully with Kashmiris. Returning to harsh policies like internet shutdowns and mass detentions will only inflame tensions. Modi must resist the temptation to fuel anti-Muslim narratives and instead act as a true head of the governement.

A more inclusive, just approach—not retaliation—can prevent further bloodshed and offer a path toward real peace in IIOJK.