Summary
The recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has been quickly attributed by the Indian government to Pakistan, reflecting a long-standing narrative that undermines Kashmiri agency and paints the region’s unrest as the result of external manipulation. This perspective overlooks the indigenous roots of resistance against Indian occupation, which has been marked by systemic violence and broken promises, including the revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019. The timing of the attack raises concerns over its political utility for India amidst its broader geopolitical conflicts, while Pakistan grapples with its own internal crises and diminished credibility.
