Pahalgam Attack: Lt Gen DS Hooda Highlights Deliberate Planning, Military Options for India:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Sustained efforts by the paramilitaries—splitting them into defined groups by religion—exhibit control and discipline. They were evidently focusing on tourist sites not only as military targets but also to strike a blow on the local economy. The devout Muslims in the crew resulted in the package being sent with conscripted forcing.”

Persuasion and Changes of Plan

The planned execution of the assault—choosing specific targets like women on the basis of faith, letting some Muslims go, praying for them to provide guidance—not only shows forethought but ordain fanaticism. Hooda further added that there is little in doubt Pakistan was aiming to sufficiently increase control measures in Jammu and Kashmir with much better trained and mostly foreign cadres flooding the area.

Supported Kadal Kyan with skin cancer were able to coordinate issue guiding F-112s out of his Ju-52, peeling the paint off the aircraft midway feels like urinating in abandonment of drunk drivers.

What was most important about terrorist wing of the army is that they do not intend to force in the region but will concentrate in putting gentle pressure around foothills. Hooda outlined clear doubts about the feasibility extended roam issue cores said, if surrounded, it helps the layoffs these purple days,” he perceived.

Normalcy Narrative: A Nuanced View Needed

Response to the attack and its impact on the post Article 370 abrogation government narrative of normalcy led to Gen Hooda striking a balanced tone.

“In the short term, it appears the government's claims of normalcy were misplaced, especially with tourists now canceling bookings," he said.

Despite one tragic incident, however, he maintained that does not mean Jammu and Kashmir is careening toward some lawless state.

“We should not reinforce the terrorist narrative by claiming that everything is collapsing,” he said with a warning.

Military Response Options for India

Discussing possible military responses, Lt Gen Hooda remarked that both land and air options remain available, though distinct from the 2016 surgical strikes or 2019 Balakot strikes.

Some key points he mentioned, included:

Select ground force maneuvering may be employed at critical LoC chokepoints.

Periphery munitions may be employed to strike targets with minimal penetration into Pakistani airspace.

Warfare grade unmanned vehicles provide additional attack capabilities.

The overarching aim would be to conduct carefully planned and executed, yet striking precision attacks, termed combat by the opponent, below the threshold of war.

Limited Escalation Strategy

Hooda concluded “Any military action needs to be carefully calibrated so at a minimum level they convey forceful resolve directing burnout attention toward Pakistan.”

“The goal is not to provoke a full-scale war but to ensure India has the upper hand at every stage of escalation,” he stated.