Pahalgam attack: Reports indicate major intelligence failure & security gaps

New Delhi: The recent Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in the tragic deaths of 26 individuals, has highlighted serious deficiencies in the intelligence gathering and response capabilities of security agencies. Reports indicate that security forces had advanced knowledge of a potential threat to tourists in and around Srinagar, leading to increased security measures in areas like Dal Lake and the Mughal Gardens. Despite this heightened alert, the precise nature and location of the threat were not identified.

The attack involved four terrorists, two of whom were identified as local Kashmiris. These individuals are believed to have infiltrated tourist groups days before the incident, successfully blending in before leading victims to a food court where two suspected Pakistani terrorists opened fire at close range. This underscores the sophisticated infiltration tactics employed by the perpetrators.

Terrorists used advanced radio equipment

The terrorists’ ability to move freely for several days suggests potential local support networks facilitating their operations. Further complicating matters was the terrorists’ use of advanced radio equipment, hindering interception efforts by security forces.

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Analysis of the incident reveals the intelligence received was not specific enough to allow for targeted preventative actions. While security operations were conducted in areas such as Dachigam and Nishat, these yielded no results. This raises concerns about the overall effectiveness of intelligence analysis and the ability to translate potential threats into actionable intelligence.

The incident also prompts scrutiny of the handling of prior intelligence, particularly given the past precedent of terrorist attacks following periods of perceived normalcy, as evidenced by an incident in 2006 under Ghulam Nabi Azad’s tenure. The post-attack response, including a special condolence session in the assembly, underscores the gravity of the incident. However, the central issue remains the failure to prevent the attack, despite possessing advance warning.