On Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir

Syllabus: GS 3/Internal Security 

In Context

• Recently,  there has been a sharp rise in militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Present scenario 

• The Jammu region has seen a rise in militant attacks over the past three years, notably in the Chenab Valley and areas south of the Pir Panjal. 
  •  The region was a hotbed of insurgency in the late 1990s and early 2000s but was controlled by Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003 with local support.
• Data: 
  • Jammu Region: 31 incidents Since 2021,, resulting in 47 security forces and 19 civilians killed, and 48 terrorists killed.
  • On July 8, 2024 terrorists ambushed an Army convoy in Badnota village, killing five Indian Army personnel.
  • June 2023: Attack on pilgrims in Reasi, resulting in 10 deaths.
  • Kashmir Valley: 263 incidents Since 2021,, resulting in 68 security forces and 75 civilians killed, and 417 terrorists killed.

Reasons for Increased Militancy

• Troop Redeployment: The counter-terrorism efforts have been weakened due to the re-deployment of troops to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following the Galwan incident in June 2020.
• Militant Activity: Estimates suggest 20-25 militants have infiltrated from Pakistan, operating in specific regions such as Poonch-Rajouri and Kathua-Doda.
  • Challenges include difficult terrain and poor connectivity.
• Local Support  :A shift towards using local militants to give a more home-grown face to the insurgency.
• Emergence of new terror groups claiming responsibility for attacks.
• Increased use of modern technology by terrorists.
• Gap in local intelligence.

Challenges and Impacts 

• Instability: The region has seen a rise in militant activities, with various groups operating in the area.
  • This has led to ongoing violence and instability.
• Casualties : Recurring ambushes have resulted in unacceptable casualties for the Indian Army.
  • Terrorist attacks often result in civilian casualties, either directly through attacks or indirectly through crossfire or military operations.
• Curfews: There is a heavy military presence in Kashmir, which can lead to frequent curfews, roadblocks, and heightened tension among the local population.
• Displacement: Ongoing violence and instability have led to the displacement of families and individuals, creating a refugee crisis and disrupting lives.
• Psychological: The constant threat of violence and the experience of attacks have significant psychological effects on the population, including trauma, anxiety, and depression.
• Disrupted Economy: Frequent attacks and instability disrupt economic activities, including trade, tourism, and local businesses.
  • The economic downturn exacerbates poverty and unemployment.
    • Terrorist activities often result in the destruction of infrastructure
• Terrorist attacks can deepen social and ethnic divisions, creating mistrust and animosity among different communities within the region.

Steps of India to tackle militancy in Jammu and Kashmir 

• Counter-Terrorism Operations: The Indian Army and paramilitary forces conduct regular operations to neutralize militants and disrupt their activities.
  • To address the security vacuum, around 3,000 Army troops and 500 Special Forces have been deployed to Jammu.
  • Assam Rifles troops are being inducted into Jammu to enhance counter-terror operations, replacing CRPF battalions in Manipur.
    • Assam Rifles have previously been successful in Jammu and Kashmir, with Operation Dudhi in 1991 being a notable example of successful counter-terrorism efforts
• Reorganisation: The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 led to the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh), aimed at better administration and integration.
• A New Central Sector Scheme has been notified on 19/02/2021 for the Industrial Development of the UT of J&K, 
• Public Safety Act (PSA): Aimed at detaining individuals involved in militancy or anti-national activities.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): Strengthening legal frameworks to deal with terrorism and other unlawful activities.
• Government is promoting education and awareness to counter radical ideologies and provide alternative narratives.
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu have been made functional. 

Suggestions and Way Forward 

• Strengthen Intelligence Networks: Refurbish intelligence networks and integrate the Special Operations Group (SOG) with Rashtriya Rifles (RR) to leverage their strengths.
  • Additional troops should be deployed in a way that integrates them with existing forces and allows them adequate time to adapt and establish control, rather than focusing on immediate numerical increases.
• Foster Community Relations: Establish and reiterate a sound relationship with the local populace to garner support for counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Efforts to rebuild trust with local communities and revive Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are ongoing.
• Border Security: Strengthening the security along the Line of Control (LoC) to prevent infiltration from across the border. Smart fencing  will be set up across the India-Pakistan borders to tackle the infiltration across borders.
• Investments in infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals, to improve living conditions and provide employment opportunities.
  • Efforts to rehabilitate former militants and their families, including providing education, employment, and financial assistance.

Source:TH