Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Internal Security
Context
The Jammu region is experiencing a rise in terrorist activity.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 8th August 2024
A closer look at beefing up Jammu’s counter-terror grid
The Jammu region has recently been a focal point of security concerns due to increased terrorist activities and significant losses suffered by security forces. These issues have been compounded by the redeployment of troops to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following the Galwan incident in 2020. Establishing an effective counter-terrorism deployment grid is crucial for restoring stability in the region.
Shift in Terrorist Activity in Jammu Region
- Historical Context:
- Traditionally, terrorist activities were concentrated in the Kashmir Valley.
- Since 2021, the Jammu division, which had been relatively peaceful for nearly two decades, has seen a rise in terrorist attacks.
- Regions of Concern:
- Chenab Valley: Includes districts such as Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi.
- Pir Panjal Region: Covers Rajouri and Poonch districts.
- Recent Incidents:
- From 2021 onwards, Jammu has experienced 31 terror incidents, resulting in 47 security personnel and 19 civilian deaths.
- In 2021, 51 security personnel died in various terrorist incidents across several districts.
- Between 2022 and 2023, there were six attacks in Jammu, resulting in the deaths of 12 security personnel.
- The Kashmir Valley reported 263 terror incidents during the same period, causing 68 security forces and 75 civilian casualties.
Reasons Behind the Resurgence
- Thinning of Security Grid:
- After the 2020 Galwan clashes, many troops were redeployed to the China border, weakening the security grid in Jammu.
- Infiltration from Pakistan:
- An estimated 20-25 militants have infiltrated from Pakistan, operating near the border in the Poonch-Rajouri and Kathua-Doda-Basantgarh regions.
- Jammu’s Topography:
- Dense forests, hilly terrain, and thick foliage provide cover for terrorists.
- Proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) makes Rajouri and Poonch suitable for militant activities.
- Local Intelligence Gap:
- Redeployment of troops to the LAC created a vacuum in local intelligence, hindering the tracking and pre-emption of militant activities.
- Technological Advancements:
- Terrorist groups use encrypted communication channels and digital tools, making it difficult for security forces to track them.
- Trust Deficit with Locals:
- Botched security operations have eroded trust between the local population and the state, complicating counter-terrorism efforts.
- Shift from Foreign to Local Militants:
- There is a trend of using local militants to give the insurgency a more homegrown appearance.
- Emergence of New Terror Groups:
- New terror outfits with different motivations and strategies complicate counter-terrorism efforts.
- Changing Tactics:
- Militants have adapted their tactics, making operations more challenging for security forces.
Implications and Challenges
- Immediate Security Concerns:
- The increase in attacks highlights the need for stricter adherence to standard operating procedures.
- Long-Term Consequences:
- The resurgence of terrorism threatens lives, economic development, tourism, and social cohesion.
- Foreign Infiltration:
- Effective border management and intelligence sharing are crucial to addressing the threat of foreign terrorists.
Steps and Initiatives by Government
- Operation All Out: Intensified counter-terrorism operations to eliminate militant hideouts.
- Development Packages: Allocation of significant funds for development projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Use of Anti-Terror Laws:
- Authorities use laws like the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act to conduct raids and detain suspects.
- UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act): Stricter implementation of the UAPA to curb terrorist financing and activities.
- AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act): Review and possible amendments to the AFSPA to balance security concerns with human rights.
Strengthening Jammu’s Counter-Terrorism Grid
- Reinforcement of Security Forces:
- Troop Augmentation: Deploy additional security personnel, including specialized forces like the Special Forces and Assam Rifles , to reinforce the existing grid.
- Localized Deployment: Ensure that newly inducted troops are familiarized with the region’s terrain and local dynamics to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Strategic Deployment: Position troops in key vulnerable areas like Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal region to block infiltration routes and secure high-risk zones.
- Enhanced Intelligence Gathering:
- Community-Based Intelligence: Develop stronger ties with local communities to gather grassroots intelligence. This includes engaging with the Gujjar-Bakerwal communities and other local groups.
- Technology Integration: Use advanced surveillance technology, including drones and satellite imagery, to monitor and track militant movements in dense forests and hilly terrains.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Improve coordination between various intelligence agencies to ensure timely sharing of actionable intelligence.
- Infrastructure and Logistic Support:
- Improved Communication Networks: Upgrade communication infrastructure to ensure seamless coordination among deployed units, particularly in remote and hilly areas.
- Logistical Reinforcement: Ensure the availability of necessary supplies, ammunition, and medical support to sustain long-term operations in challenging terrains.
- Secure Transportation: Enhance the security of supply routes and transportation channels to prevent ambushes and attacks by militants.
- Operational Strategy Adjustments:
- Grid Re-establishment: Rebuild and reinforce the counter-terror grid in areas that were left vulnerable due to troop redeployment. This includes setting up multi-tiered security layers.
- Adaptive Tactics: Adjust operational tactics to counter the evolving strategies of militants, including their use of modern technology and guerrilla warfare techniques.
- Night Operations: Increase night-time operations and patrols to disrupt militant activities, particularly in areas with dense foliage and difficult terrain.
- Community Engagement and Trust Building:
- Civic Outreach Programs: Initiate community engagement programs to build trust and cooperation between locals and security forces. Address grievances and ensure that operations are conducted with minimal disruption to civilian life.
- Winning Hearts and Minds: Focus on winning the trust of the neutral majority and sustaining the support of those already aligned with the state. This can help in gathering crucial intelligence and preventing the radicalization of youth.
- Human Rights Sensitivity: Ensure that security operations are conducted with a high degree of sensitivity to human rights to avoid alienating the local population.
- Countering Propaganda and Technological Warfare:
- Counter-Propaganda Initiatives: Develop and deploy counter-narratives to undermine militant propaganda. Use social media and other platforms to engage with the local youth and promote messages of peace and development.
- Cyber Surveillance: Strengthen cyber capabilities to monitor and disrupt the encrypted communications and online activities of terrorist groups.
- Preemptive Strikes: Conduct preemptive strikes on terror hideouts based on actionable intelligence to prevent large-scale attacks.
- Political and Administrative Measures:
- Policy Review and Adaptation: Periodically review and adapt counter-terrorism policies to address new challenges and threats. Engage political leadership at the state and national levels to ensure a unified approach.
- Restoration of Normalcy: Work towards restoring normalcy in the region by ensuring that democratic processes, such as elections, are conducted smoothly without disruption from militant activities.
- International Cooperation: Strengthen diplomatic efforts to curb cross-border terrorism by holding Pakistan accountable for its support to militant groups and seeking international cooperation.
Conclusion
The security situation in the Jammu region demands a well-coordinated and sustained effort from the security forces. Integrating newly-inducted troops with existing units, understanding local dynamics, and employing long-term strategies are essential for effective counter-terrorism operations.
References
Related PYQ
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?[ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2023]
Practice Question
Examine the recent security challenges in the Jammu region and discuss the measures taken by the Indian government to address these issues? [150 words]