Why 2025 Pahalgam Attack Is A Reminder Of 2000 Chittisinghpura Massacre
With several similarities, the Pahalgam attack served as a bleak reminder of the Chittisinghpura massacre in Jammu and Kashmir in 2000.
The Chittisinghpura incident had led to the killing of 35 Sikh villagers on March 20, 2000, just ahead of the visit of then US President Bill Clinton to India. The timing was seen as an attempt to provoke communal tensions and draw international attention to Kashmir.
The Pahalgam attack on tourists occurred on April 22, 2025, coinciding with US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Saudi Arabia. At least 26 tourists, including Hindus and a Nepali national, were killed.
Top government sources say militants aimed to disrupt diplomatic engagements and reignite global scrutiny over Kashmir. Both attacks targeted civilians to provoke communal violence.
Indian authorities react to Pakistan's reaction on Pahalgam terror attack @payalmehta100 with @Elizasherine | #PahalgamTerrorAttack #JammuAndKashmir #IndusWaterTreaty pic.twitter.com/PezzObcRle — News18 (@CNNnews18) April 25, 2025
WHAT HAD HAPPENED IN CHITTISINGHPURA
In Chittisinghpura, Sikhs in Kashmir, were specifically targeted. Militants in army uniforms had rounded up men near gurdwaras and executed them.
The attack was carried out by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Later, terrorist David Headley confessed to its involvement.
Chittisinghpura was aimed at destabilising India ahead of Clinton's visit and increasing Hindu-Sikh tensions. Survivors claimed attackers shouted pro-India slogans, fueling conspiracy theories about state involvement.
The attack caused an exodus of Sikhs from Kashmir and heightened communal fears.
Clinton's visit was overshadowed by the massacre in 2000. The US condemned the attack but avoided explicitly blaming Pakistan.
Pakistan has called the move of India's decision on Indus Water Treaty an act of war @siddhantvm with @Elizasherine | #PahalgamTerrorAttack #JammuAndKashmir #IndusWaterTreaty pic.twitter.com/b3RonhBWZ8 — News18 (@CNNnews18) April 25, 2025
WHAT HAPPENED IN PAHALGAM
In Pahalgam, non-Muslim tourists were singled out and militants asked victims to recite Islamic verses (kalma) and checked for circumcisions to identify non-Muslims.
Pahalgam is claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an LeT affiliate. Indian authorities identified Saifullah, a top LeT commander, as the mastermind.
The TRF has been opposed to India's revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019. Various groups have also been against the domicile rights for non-locals.
The attack sought to disrupt tourism and signal resistance to demographic changes.
Protests, however, have erupted, with demands for retaliation against Pakistan. The attack has also triggered a tourism crisis, with thousands canceling trips. Locals have condemned the attack, fearing economic collapse.
Global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have condemned the violence. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry denied involvement but expressed condolences.
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