Time to give final blow to Pakistan!

Pahalgam saw the targeted killing of segregated Hindu tourists by “The Resistance Front”, a proxy of the ISI-supported LeT. They were hand-picked for killing on the basis of their religion. Worst since Pulwama attack.

Both President Trump and President Putin have condemned the dastardly terror attack. Timing shows it was well-planned to synchronise with US Vice-President's private visit to India.

 The J&K police and the local intelligence unit clearly failed to provide the security cover to domestic tourists in the face of increasing security threat perception. The UT administration of J&K  would have much to explain.

 What could be Pakistan’s motive to launch the terror attack. Logically, to halt the development process in J&K which is not taking place in POK.

For obvious reasons, the local population of J&K will suffer heavy losses in their business if the tourist inflow is adversely impacted. Normalcy in the union territory is paramount for running business.

 Enough is enough. Surgical strike is no option. All things considered, India must retaliate with a solid military response, full and final and take back POK with Gilgit-Baltistan. It is now or never. The centre would, no doubt, take all  precautionary measures to ensure that similar attacks are not repeated in J&K and elsewhere in the country.

 A K Saxena (Former civil servant)