Operation Sindoor:: Calibrated Retaliation and the Indo-Pak Stability Dilemma

On April 22, 2025, 26 innocent citizens, primarily Hindu tourists, were killed in a horrific terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. In the meadow, five masked militants opened fire on passers-by without discrimination. The Resistance Front (TRF), first implicated in the attack, later denied any involvement. The TRF is believed to be a branch of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack has received strong condemnation from both domestic and international sources. After losing a citizen in the attack, Nepal condemned the incident and offered condolences to the victims' families. In retaliation for the incident, India has severed diplomatic ties with Pakistan and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan's alleged backing for cross-border terrorism. The tragedy has had a significant impact on tourism in the area, leading to several cancellations and a noticeable decrease in tourist numbers. Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has stated his intention to construct a memorial at the scene of the attack as a mark of respect for the victims.