The serene valleys and majestic mountains of Jammu and Kashmir often called Heaven on Earth have for far too long borne the brunt of senseless violence and terror. The shadow of terrorism has persistently loomed casting a pall over the lives of its residents and the brave security forces that stand guard. This grim reality intensified significantly after the horrific attack in Pulwama in February 2019 marking a watershed moment in the regions struggle against externally sponsored militancy. Since that dark day India has witnessed a heart-wrenching loss of precious lives ndash dedicated soldiers vigilant police personnel and innocent civilians alike. Each attack each loss leaves an indelible scar on the nations soul. Based on the available records the known fatalities include at least 26 lives lost in Pahalgam April 2025 40 brave CRPF jawans in Pulwama February 2019 at least 10 pilgrims in Reasi 2024 and 7 civilians in Ganderbal October 2024. This brings the total of explicitly mentioned fatalities to at least 115 a number tragically compounded by numerous other casualties in ambushes grenade attacks and other violent incidents not specifically quantified here. The years that followed Pulwama have been marked by a series of brutal incidents seemingly orchestrated with chilling precision aimed at destabilising the region and inflicting maximum pain upon the Indian populace. The consistent recurrence and strategic timing of these acts of terror often coinciding with significant national events or visits strongly suggest a calculated campaign by forces seeking to undermine peace and stability driven by a nefarious agenda of bloodshed. April 2025 Pahalgam Massacre The breathtaking beauty of Pahalgam often likened to quotmini Switzerlandquot was brutally marred on April 22 2025. This idyllic spot usually a haven of peace for tourists became the site of one of the most savage attacks on civilians in recent memory. The incident unfolded around 225 PM in the picturesque Baisaran meadow where tourists were simply enjoying the serene surroundings. Eyewitness accounts paint a horrifying picture. Survivors recounted the sudden burst of gunfire followed by a terrifying silence only to be broken by more shots and utter chaos as people desperately sought cover. The attack resulted in a tragic loss of at least 26 lives ndash 25 Indian nationals and one citizen of Nepal. Several others sustained injuries their lives forever changed by the trauma. The Resistance Front TRF an organisation widely understood to be a proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba LeT claimed responsibility. Disturbingly reports emerged indicating that the attackers specifically targeted Hindu tourists after demanding their names and religious affiliations. This points to a deeply concerning sectarian motive behind this brutal act. The militants were reportedly armed with sophisticated weaponry including M4 carbines and AK-47 assault rifles and were clad in military-style attire suggesting a level of training and access to resources often indicative of external support. The Pahalgam attack resulted in the tragic loss of 26 precious lives individuals from various parts of India and Nepal each with their own stories and dreams cruelly cut short. February 14 2019 The Day of Infamy - The Pulwama Attack The date February 14 2019 remains etched in the collective memory of India as a day of immense sorrow and national outrage. On this fateful afternoon a convoy of vehicles carrying personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force CRPF was targeted in a horrific suicide bombing on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in the Pulwama district. The attack involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device IED that ripped through a bus leading to the martyrdom of 40 brave CRPF jawans. The sheer scale of the explosion and the resulting loss of life sent shockwaves across the nation. Responsibility for this cowardly act was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed JeM a terrorist organisation operating with impunity from Pakistan. The perpetrator was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar a local youth tragically radicalised and used as a pawn by these handlers across the border. In the aftermath India unequivocally condemned Pakistan for its continued support and harbouring of terrorist groups on its soil. The nations response was a mix of profound grief and a steely resolve to avenge the fallen heroes. In a decisive and necessary move India launched retaliatory airstrikes on Balakot targeting alleged terrorist training camps within Pakistan. This action served as a strong message against cross-border terrorism and demonstrated Indias unwavering commitment to protecting its security interests. The Pulwama attack stands as a stark and painful reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism emanating from across the border and its devastating consequences for India. ALSO READPahalgam terror attack is Hamas inspired? Know what Israels Ambassador to India says The Shadow of Violence Subsequent Terrorist Attacks in Kashmir 2019-2025 Despite the strong response to the Pulwama attack the shadow of violence continued to loom large over Jammu and Kashmir in the years that followed. Various terrorist incidents occurred targeting different segments of society from pilgrims on their sacred journeys to ordinary civilians in their villages and the security forces maintaining peace. Attacks on the Sacred Pilgrimage The Amarnath Yatra The Amarnath Yatra an annual pilgrimage of immense religious significance for Hindus has tragically been a recurring target for terrorist groups seeking to disrupt this sacred journey and instil fear among devotees. Even before Pulwama the yatra faced threats as evidenced by the attack on a bus in Kulgam on July 10 2017 which tragically killed eight pilgrims. More recently on June 9 2024 terrorists ambushed a bus carrying pilgrims in the Reasi district resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 10 people and injuring 33 others. These repeated attacks reveal a clear and disturbing pattern of targeting religious sentiments and attempting to undermine the unity and faith of the Indian people. Despite these cowardly acts the Indian government has consistently reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and successful Amarnath Yatra highlighting the nations resolve not to be deterred by such acts of terror. Targeting the Heart of Communities Civilian Killings in Villages Beyond attacks on security forces and religious pilgrims terrorists have also frequently targeted innocent civilians in villages often in remote and less protected areas. The aim is clearly to instil widespread fear and disrupt the fabric of daily life. In more recent times particularly in 2022 and 2024 there has been a disturbing trend of targeting migrant workers. These attacks often resulting in fatalities have triggered widespread panic among the migrant worker population leading to a significant and unfortunate exodus from the valley impacting the local economy. A particularly gruesome incident occurred in Ganderbal in October 2024 where a local doctor and six migrant workers were killed when terrorists attacked a construction site. These deliberate acts of violence against vulnerable civilians especially minorities and non-locals expose a sinister agenda aimed at creating communal disharmony and undermining the social cohesion of the region. ALSO READPahalgam terror attack survivors from Odisharsquos Cuttack claim terrorists shot 3 persons in front of their eye Bravery Under Fire Ambush on Security Forces Security forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir constantly face the grave threat of attacks and ambushes by militant groups. While specific details about every ambush between 2019 and 2024 are not exhaustively available in the provided material there are mentions of significant incidents. For example in May 2024 an attack on an Indian Air Force IAF convoy occurred in Poonch a stark reminder of the dangers faced by our forces even when not directly engaged in counter-insurgency operations. It is also crucial to note the frequent ceasefire violations and instances of shelling along the Line of Control LoC which while not always direct ambushes represent a sustained form of aggression against Indian security positions and attempts to facilitate infiltration. More direct confrontations such as the encounter in the Guddar forest area of Kulgam in April 2025 where security forces bravely engaged with suspected terrorists demonstrate the continued operational activity of militant groups in the region. These ambushes and encounters often result in casualties on both sides tragically underscoring the dangerous environment in which our security personnel operate and the persistent threat they face from well-trained and armed militants. The external support these groups undeniably receive is further evidenced by cross-border firing and infiltration attempts. Terror in the Urban Landscape Grenade and IED Attacks in Cities Urban centres in Kashmir particularly Srinagar have also been subjected to terrorist violence in the form of cowardly grenade and improvised explosive device IED attacks. A review of available information reveals a disturbing pattern of grenade attacks in Srinagar between 2019 and 2024. These indiscriminate attacks have resulted in numerous injuries and tragically some fatalities. One notable incident was a grenade attack on a Sunday market in Srinagar in November 2024 which injured at least 12 civilians highlighting the complete disregard for human life by these perpetrators. The frequency of grenade attacks in Srinagar even if the overall number of terror incidents has seen a decline indicates a persistent effort to disrupt normalcy and instil fear in the urban population. ALSO READPahalgam Massacre What is The Resistance Front Lashkarrsquos local face that launched a terror attack on Kashmir? The Source of the Scourge Pakistans Enduring Role in Cross-Border Terrorism A recurring and undeniable theme in the analysis of terrorist activities in Kashmir is the alleged and strongly evidenced role of Pakistan in sponsoring and supporting these acts of violence. Groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba LeT both based in Pakistan have claimed responsibility for numerous high-profile attacks in Kashmir including the Pulwama and initially the Pahalgam attacks. The emergence of The Resistance Front TRF as a proxy organisation for LeT is widely seen as a cynical strategic move to project a false image of indigenous Kashmiri resistance while maintaining the support operational direction and logistical backing from across the border. Reports frequently pinpoint that attackers involved in these incidents including the Pahalgam attack have infiltrated the valley from Pakistan often aided and abetted by state actors. Furthermore in the case of the Pahalgam attack intelligence sources reportedly traced the digital footprints of the perpetrators to safe houses located in Muzaffarabad and Karachi providing further damning evidence of cross-border links and state involvement. Despite the overwhelming evidence the numerous accusations from India and international pressure Pakistan has consistently and unconvincingly denied any involvement in these terrorist activities. The continued operation of these designated terrorist groups from Pakistani soil and the irrefutable evidence linking them to attacks within Indian territory strongly suggest an enduring and unacceptable pattern of state-sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistan. This is a direct challenge to regional peace and global security. ALSO READOdisha tourist killed in Pahalgam terror attack Crestfallen wife recounts traumatic experience A Valley in Mourning A Nation Resolute The period since the Pulwama attack has been marked by immense suffering grief and the tragic loss of life in Jammu and Kashmir. The devastating attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 serves as a stark and painful reminder of the continued threat that terrorism poses to the region and the entire nation. When viewed alongside the memory of the 40 brave CRPF personnel martyred in Pulwama and the countless others lost in the intervening years the sheer scale of human tragedy becomes profoundly apparent. Yet amidst this enduring violence and pain the spirit of the Indian people remains unbroken resilient and resolute. The resolve of the Indian nation to stand united against this scourge to protect its citizens and to pursue all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its people remains steadfast and unwavering. India will not be cowed by terrorism and the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and innocent civilians will not be in vain. The fight for peace and justice in Kashmir continues with the unwavering support of a resilient nation.