The false flag theory presumed that an attack on yatris would benefit the BJP electorally. My take is that the BJP’s supporters have already bought the idea that Muslims in general and Kashmiris in particular are anti-national, and inimical to Hindus.

If one accepts that this is their view, the corollary is that party supporters expect the BJP-run Centre to repress Kashmiris harshly. So, party supporters would see the attack on yatris as evidence that the BJP had failed to act strongly enough – to secure the yatris against jihad-oriented anti-nationals.

The reactions of leading figures in the central and the state governments after the attacks indicated that they were eager to bring down tempers rather than stoke anger and resentment. I would have expected that, if the BJP sought political advantage, the Centre would have blamed the state government, and put it on notice.