Srinagar, Feb. 5 -- Security forces have detained hundreds in overnight raids, and interrogations are underway to try and identify the perpetrators. But the forces have to ensure that the innocent people do not suffer. This will only alienate more people, something that has never served the cause of peace in the union territory in the past.

That said, this attack has raised difficult questions. Was it a random act of terror, or a revenge killing? Just weeks ago, security forces killed top Hizbul Mujahideen commanders in the same area. Was this strike meant to show that militant groups still have the ability to hit back? These patterns are all too familiar in Kashmir-an encounter, followed by a retaliatory killing, and then by another cra...