Security and Political Challenges in Jammu and Kashmir Normalcy
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
The article highlights the ongoing debate between measuring normalcy through economic/tourism indicators versus addressing structural political and security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, which is highly relevant for GS-2 (Federalism, Statehood) and GS-3 (Internal Security, Terrorism).
Summary
In this column, P Chidambaram analyzes the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, contrasting the government's claims of normalcy—often highlighted by surging tourism in places like Pahalgam—with the ground reality of persistent security challenges and targeted attacks. He argues that while economic markers like tourism are positive, they cannot substitute for genuine political engagement and the resolution of local grievances. The article emphasizes the limitations of a purely muscular, security-centric approach and calls for the restoration of full statehood and the empowerment of the newly elected Legislative Assembly. Ultimately, achieving long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir requires winning the 'hearts and minds' of the people through democratic processes and political dialogue, rather than relying solely on administrative and security measures.
Key Points
- The narrative of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, often supported by rising tourist footfalls in destinations like Pahalgam, contrasts with the persistent reality of targeted terror attacks and security threats.
- A purely security-centric approach is insufficient for lasting peace; true normalcy requires addressing the political vacuum and engaging with the local population to win their hearts and minds.
- The restoration of full statehood and empowering the newly elected Legislative Assembly are essential steps toward building democratic trust and addressing local grievances.
- Economic markers such as tourism must be complemented by meaningful political dialogue and democratic representation to ensure long-term stability and conflict resolution in the region.
Important Terms
Article 370
A temporary constitutional provision (Part XXI) that granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir until its abrogation via a Presidential Order in August 2019.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Constitution and Polity. Relevant for federalism, executive powers, and the integration of princely states.
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
Legislation that bifurcated the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature)—effective from October 31, 2019.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Governance and Federalism. Tests understanding of Parliament's power to reorganize states (Articles 2-4).
Hybrid Terrorism
A security phenomenon involving unlisted, radicalized individuals who carry out specific terror missions before returning to their normal civilian lives, making detection by security agencies difficult.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Internal Security. Tests awareness of evolving insurgent tactics and counter-terrorism challenges in J&K.
Targeted Killings
A shift in militant strategy focusing on specific soft targets like migrants, minorities, and tourists to create fear and derail the narrative of regional normalcy.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Internal Security. Relates to challenges in protecting civilians and managing border area security.
Operation Sindoor
A calibrated 2025 military response involving precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir following a major attack on tourists in Pahalgam.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Security and International Relations. Examines India's deterrent strategies and the 'doctrine of surgical strikes.'
Hearts and Minds Strategy
A counter-insurgency (COIN) philosophy emphasizing winning local support through developmental and political engagement rather than relying solely on military force.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Security. Essential for discussing long-term solutions to internal conflicts and radicalization.
Over Ground Workers (OGW)
Civilians who provide logistical support, shelter, and intelligence to active terrorists without themselves being directly involved in armed combat.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Internal Security. Tests understanding of the terror ecosystem and support networks in conflict zones.
Prelims Trap
The J&K Assembly lacks power over Police, Public Order, and Land, similar to the Delhi Assembly.
Unlike Delhi (Article 239AA), the J&K Assembly (under the 2019 Act) retains legislative power over 'Land'. It only lacks jurisdiction over 'Public Order' and 'Police'.
Static Concepts Connected
How do the legislative powers of UTs with assemblies differ constitutionally?
- J&K & Puducherry: Created via Parliamentary law (Art 239A). The J&K assembly cannot legislate on 'Police' and 'Public Order' but retains power over 'Land'.
- Delhi (Art 239AA): Granted special status directly by the Constitution. The Delhi Assembly is explicitly barred from legislating on 'Police', 'Public Order', and 'Land'.
- Role of LG: In cases of a difference of opinion between the LG and the Council of Ministers, the LG refers it to the President and acts on their decision.
What are 'Hybrid Militants' and 'Over-Ground Workers' (OGWs)?
- Hybrid Militants: Unlisted, radicalized individuals who carry out sporadic targeted killings and slip back into normal civilian lives, leaving no police record.
- OGWs: Civilians providing logistical support, safe houses, and intelligence to active terrorists without physically picking up arms.
- Security Challenge: They dilute the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, rendering traditional intelligence gathering and muscular counter-terrorism operations highly difficult.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Tourism as a soft target in asymmetric warfare
Economic dividends (like surging tourism) are deliberately attacked by insurgents to sustain a psychological climate of fear, aiming to discredit state narratives of post-conflict normalcy and stability.
WHAM Doctrine vs. Centralized UT Administration
The 'Winning Hearts and Minds' (WHAM) doctrine relies on democratic empowerment, highlighting the inherent friction between long-term conflict resolution and the highly centralized, security-first administration of a Union Territory.
Expect a 2026 Mains question contrasting "muscular" internal security policies with the WHAM doctrine in the context of post-370 J&K.
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.
- 2025MainsGS2
Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- 2016MainsGS2
To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note "Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir", temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
