New Delhi/Srinagar: Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat has cautioned against escalating tensions with Pakistan following the April 21 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. He instead called for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring the region’s residents are not alienated in the aftermath of the attack.
Speaking to The Hindu, Dulat termed the Pahalgam incident “the worst of the worst” due to the deliberate targeting of civilians. He pointed out that tourist attacks in the Valley are extremely rare, recalling a similar incident only during the visit of U.S. President Bill Clinton decades ago.
“There was no security in the area, and it took about 20 minutes for forces to arrive,” he said, noting how the attackers fled before help could reach.
The former intelligence chief also highlighted the growing number of militant incidents in the Poonch-Rajouri belt of Jammu, calling it a “pattern” that shows militancy hasn’t ended.
“There have been repeated attacks on the Army in the forested areas of Jammu. It’s not as if the attackers are just crossing over daily—they seem to have established bases,” he said.
On the political sentiment in the Valley, Dulat noted that the short-lived optimism after local elections had given way to frustration. While the National Conference won that vote, real power remains with the Lieutenant Governor.
“It’s only a half government,” he said. The Hindu quoted Dulat as saying, “This is a rare opportunity that should not be squandered away. The local Kashmiri should not suffer for whatever has happened.”
He expressed concern about the demolition of local homes in the name of security and warned against alienating the civilian population. “Whatever the Government of India does, it should take the local Kashmiri along.”
When asked about demands for a military response, Dulat said, “War is not an option. Even if it comes to that, it is the last bad option.” Instead, he urged strengthening security and building trust with locals. “Let us find the perpetrators and punish them. But let better sense prevail.”
