Jammu and Kashmir security transition and anti terror operations
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
This article provides an official perspective on the socio-economic and security strategies deployed in Jammu and Kashmir over the last five years. It illustrates the 'hearts and minds' approach (GS3 Internal Security) through developmental initiatives, the dismantling of terror networks, and countering radicalization and narco-terrorism, which are highly testable themes for Mains.
Summary
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, emphasizing the massive sacrifices made to secure peace and prosperity in the region. Speaking at a symposium in New Delhi, he stated that the administration is committed to completely dismantling the terror ecosystem. The governance approach has shifted towards a people-centric model, prioritizing social justice and equality. Consequently, previously violence-torn districts like Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam are evolving into centers of culture and literature. He also underscored the ongoing need to combat youth radicalization and drug addiction to sustain long-term peace and socio-economic integration.
Key Points
- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that significant sacrifices have been made over the past five years to achieve peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The current administration's core objective is to permanently dismantle the terror ecosystem and eliminate societal fear and intimidation.
- Development models are focusing on social justice, equality, and a 'people-first' approach under the central government's leadership.
- Districts once known for severe violence, such as Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam, are transitioning into cultural and literary hubs.
- Addressing drug addiction and combating youth radicalization remain high-priority ongoing challenges for the region.
Important Terms
Vishwagram
A non-profit organization dedicated to fostering education, art, and peace. It organized the 'International Symposium on Peace, People and Possibilities' to discuss Jammu and Kashmir's socio-economic transformation.
UPSC context
GS Paper II/III: Role of NGOs and civil society in peacebuilding and internal security management in conflict-prone regions.
India International Centre (IIC)
A premier non-governmental institution in New Delhi that serves as a hub for intellectual exchange among diplomats, policymakers, and civil society to discuss national and international issues.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Important institutions facilitating policy dialogue, track-two diplomacy, and intellectual discourse on governance and security.
Terror Ecosystem
The broader network of overground workers, financiers, and ideologues that sustains active militancy. LG Sinha emphasized dismantling this entire structure to ensure long-term regional stability.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Internal Security. Tests understanding of non-state actors and the multi-dimensional nature of modern insurgencies.
Narco-terrorism
The symbiotic relationship between drug trafficking and terrorism, where narcotics trade funds extremist activities. It is a major challenge in J&K used to radicalize and incapacitate youth.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Internal Security; linkage between organized crime and terrorism. Focuses on cross-border threats and financial lifelines of terror.
Overground Workers (OGWs)
Individuals who provide logistical support—such as shelter, funds, and intelligence—to terrorists without being active combatants. They are a critical component of the regional 'terror ecosystem.'
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Security challenges in J&K. Tests knowledge of the support structures of militancy and counter-insurgency strategies.
People-centric Governance
A governance model prioritizing social justice and equality over purely administrative metrics. In J&K, it aims to reduce alienation and foster socio-economic integration through direct community engagement.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Governance and Social Justice. Relates to the "winning hearts and minds" strategy in counter-insurgency and development.
Prelims Trap
In the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the elected legislative assembly shares concurrent jurisdiction with the LG over 'Police' and 'Public Order'.
Under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, 'Police' and 'Public Order' fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor (Central Government), similar to Delhi.
Static Concepts Connected
How does Narco-Terrorism function as an asymmetric weapon in border areas?
- Terror Financing: Drug smuggling provides untraceable, high-margin revenue to sustain terror syndicates, sleeper cells, and white-collar financiers.
- Social Destabilization: Deliberately fostering drug addiction hollows out the youth demographic, destroying the social fabric and making addicts vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
- Technological Delivery: Adversaries increasingly use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to drop narcotics and small arms, effectively bypassing traditional physical border fencing and patrols.
What is 'Operation Sadbhavana' in Jammu & Kashmir?
- Military Civic Action: It is an Indian Army initiative launched in 1998 aimed at 'Winning Hearts and Minds' (WHAM) in terrorism-affected regions.
- Core Focus: Provides education (e.g., Army Goodwill Schools), healthcare, and infrastructure to reduce civilian alienation and counter extremist propaganda.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Drones + Narco-Terrorism
The shift from physical infiltration to UAV-based drug and arms drops connects border management technological challenges (GS3) directly with societal radicalization (GS1/GS3).
Non-kinetic Counter-Insurgency
Transforming volatile districts like Shopian into literary hubs links hard-security counter-insurgency tactics with soft-power socio-economic integration.
A GS3 Mains question in 2026 will likely fuse narco-terrorism, drone infiltration, and youth radicalization as a single asymmetric threat.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2023MainsGS3
Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
- 2025MainsGS3
Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.
- 2024MainsGS3
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
