Why in News: On June 16, 2025, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the passing-out parade at Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur.
Key Highlights of the Lieutenant Governor’s Address
1. Modern Counter-Terrorism Tools
Urged J&K Police (JAKP) to use modern technology to:
- Counter security threats
- Prevent radicalisation
- Overcome adverse situations
2. Multi-Pronged Strategy Suggested:Called for a blend of-
- Intelligence gathering
- Community engagement
- Technology
- Inter-agency collaboration
- Strengthened beat policing
Recent Trends in Kashmir Terrorism
- As per MHA’s 2023–24 report, terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have seen a steady decline since 2019.
- Tourism, infrastructure, and investment are rising, indicating improved stability.
- Recent attacks are seen as attempts to derail development and foment communal unrest.
- Shift from conventional to hybrid terrorism—local radicalisation, use of drones, and digital tools.
- Government has strengthened counter-terror operations, cracked down on terror financing, and promoted community engagement.
Factors Behind Terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir
External Factors
- Pakistan’s Proxy War: State support to terror groups like LeT, JeM, HM, and TRF through training, arms, and safe havens as part of hybrid warfare.
- International Inconsistency: Lack of unified global action; e.g., China shielding Pakistan-based terrorists from UNSC sanctions.
- Global Radical Ideologies: Influence of extremist ideologies (e.g., ISIS); cross-linkages between LeT and Hamas further radicalize youth.
- Porous Borders: Difficult terrain along LoC enables infiltration and smuggling of arms.
Internal Factors
- Radicalisation: Use of online platforms and local networks to indoctrinate youth.
- Political Alienation: Perceived injustices, misuse of AFSPA, and weak representation foster separatist sentiments.
- Economic Vulnerability: Unemployment and lack of development push youth toward militancy.
- Over Ground Workers (OGWs): Aid terror networks through logistics, funding, and propaganda.
- Terror Financing: Groups like Hurriyat, JKLF channel Hawala funds to support local insurgency.
Challenges in Tackling Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
1. Hybrid and Virtual Terrorism
- Hybrid terrorists: Self-radicalized individuals who maintain normal civilian lives but carry out attacks.
- Virtual groups: Online-based outfits like TRF and Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force act as fronts for LeT and JeM, complicating attribution and tracking.
2. Porous Borders
- The rugged terrain along the LoC facilitates infiltration, smuggling of arms, and movement of militants.
3. Pakistan’s Information Warfare
- Systematic use of social media for anti-India propaganda, recruitment, and misinformation to radicalize youth and create unrest.
4. Intelligence Coordination Gaps
- Inadequate real-time intelligence sharing among central, state, and local agencies hampers preemptive action.
5. Evolving Technology
- Use of drones for arms drops, encrypted apps for communication, AI-generated content for radicalization, and access to sophisticated weaponry.
6. Changing Terrorist Tactics
- Shift from mass attacks to targeted killings of civilians, tourists, and minorities to instill fear and disrupt peace.
Initiatives Taken to Tackle Terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir
1. Security and Counter-Terrorism Operations
- Crackdown on Terrorist Ecosystem: Regular operations against Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) and logistical networks.
- Major Operations: Operation All-Out (2017) – coordinated action against militants. Operation Sindoor (2025) and Surgical Strikes post-Pulwama (2019) – hot pursuit strategies.
- Ban on Radical Groups: Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir banned under UAPA (2019).
- Strengthened Intelligence: Multi-Agency Centre and improved inter-agency coordination.
2. Border Management
- Smart Surveillance: Deployment of laser fencing, drones, motion sensors, and thermal imaging along LoC under the Border Infrastructure Management (BIM) Scheme.
- Anti-infiltration Grid: Intensified vigil by BSF and Indian Army in infiltration-prone sectors.
3. Rehabilitation and Community Engagement
- Welfare Initiatives: Operation Sadbhavana – civic action to win hearts and minds.
- Youth Engagement: Skill-building through HIMAYAT, self-help promotion via UMEED, and sporting initiatives.
4. Economic and Infrastructure Development
- Boosting Tourism and Investment: Infrastructure projects like Chenab Bridge, Zojila Tunnel, and Vande Bharat trains.
- Employment Generation: Promotion of handicrafts, start-ups, and local entrepreneurship.
5. Political Measures
- Abrogation of Article 370 (2019) for full integration.
- Delimitation exercise to ensure equitable representation.
- Democratic Revival: Strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions; ongoing push for assembly elections.
6. Diplomatic Efforts
Global Advocacy:
- Pressure via UNSC 1267 Committee, FATF Grey Listing, and IMF scrutiny of Pakistan’s support for terror.
- Bilateral and multilateral outreach to expose Pakistan’s proxy war in J&K.
7. Technology-Based Interventions
- Drone Surveillance:Counter-drone technology deployed to detect cross-border payloads.
- Cyber Monitoring: Enhanced tracking of online radicalisation and propaganda by agencies.
Way Forward
1. Strengthen Intelligence & Surveillance
- Enhance inter-agency coordination and invest in AI-driven analytics to counter cyber-radicalization, drone threats, illicit financing, and Over Ground Workers (OGWs).
- Reinforce Human Intelligence (HUMINT) to complement Technological Intelligence (TECHINT).
2. Bolster Border Security
- Expedite smart fencing, thermal imaging, and surveillance systems along the LoC as per Madhukar Gupta Committee recommendations.
- Improve coordination among the Army, CRPF, BSF, and JK Police for better border management.
3. De-radicalization & Community Engagement
- Scale up educational, sports, and cultural programs to counter extremist narratives.
- Build local trust through initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana to undermine OGWs with community-driven intelligence.
4. Economic Development
- Focus on employment generation, tourism, and infrastructure projects to address youth disillusionment and regional disparities.
5. Political Inclusiveness
- Ensure free and fair elections, strengthen grassroots governance, and promote representative politics to reduce alienation.
6. Diplomatic Strategy
- Leverage global forums (UNSC, FATF) to expose cross-border terrorism and seek cooperation from like-minded countries (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia) to pressure Pakistan against supporting non-state actors.
Upsc Relevance
GS Paper 3: Internal Security
- Covers hybrid terrorism, radicalisation, drone threats, cyber surveillance, and border management.
- Shows the importance of multi-agency coordination and tech-driven counterterrorism.
GS Paper 2: Governance
- –Reflects federal cooperation in security.
- –Highlights issues of political integration, community engagement, and administrative reform post-Article 370.
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION
Q.A modern counter-terror strategy for Jammu & Kashmir must integrate local policing, development, and diplomacy with traditional security tools.”Discuss in light of recent trends and challenges in Kashmir terrorism. (250 words)