Mon Apr 28 03:58:31 UTC 2025: ## Kashmir Attack Exposes Flaws in Modi’s ‘Normalcy’ Narrative

**New Delhi, India** – A deadly attack in Kashmir has shattered the Indian government’s claims of normalcy in the region, highlighting the potential failures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kashmir policy. On April 22nd, an armed group killed 25 tourists and a local in Pahalgam, triggering a major escalation in tensions with Pakistan.

The attack, the deadliest on tourists in 25 years, has led to a three-day exchange of gunfire along the disputed border, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, and the expulsion of diplomats from both countries. Within India-administered Kashmir, security forces have responded with a crackdown, raiding homes, arresting over 1,500 people, and demolishing the homes of suspected militants’ families.

Analysts argue the Pahalgam attack exposed the limitations of Modi’s approach, which, since the revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019, has focused on projecting an image of “normality” through increased tourism. While tourist numbers did increase, critics, including former opposition leader Omar Abdullah, warned against equating tourism with genuine peace and stability.

The government’s narrative, emphasizing Pakistan’s role in fueling the insurgency and neglecting domestic concerns, is seen as a failure by experts. They contend that the lack of engagement with Kashmiri voices and the prioritizing of a security-focused, foreign policy-driven approach has contributed to the ongoing conflict. The exclusion of Chief Minister Abdullah from key security meetings further underscores this disconnect.

The crisis has also led to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old agreement crucial for Pakistan’s water security, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. While India claims it is seeking renegotiation, Pakistan views this as a potential act of war.

The incident has, however, presented a politically advantageous situation for Modi’s BJP domestically. The government’s strong response has been supported even by the opposition, while jingoistic rhetoric and anti-Muslim sentiment have increased across India. Analysts suggest that Modi’s Kashmir policy is driven by both short-term political gains and the BJP’s long-held ideological goals concerning the region. Experts predict little change in this approach despite the escalating crisis.

Read More