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Internal Security

Rise in Militancy in Jammu

  • 16 Jul 2024
  • 12 min read

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has witnessed a notable increase in militant attacks since mid-2021, culminating in recent incidents including the ambush on Army vehicles in Kathua district and targeted strikes in other areas. 

  • This resurgence marks a shift from historical patterns, raising alarms about security vulnerabilities and implications for regional stability.

What are the Reasons for Rise in Militancy in Jammu?

  • Strategic Shift: The pursuance of zero terror policy in Kashmir have provided militants to an opportunity to operate in Jammu.
    • In 2020, perceived low militancy in Jammu led to troop movements to Ladakh (along LAC after the Galwan Accident), potentially prompting militants to relocate.
  • Strategic Importance of Jammu: Jammu serves as a crucial gateway to the rest of India, making it an attractive target for militants aiming to disrupt normalcy and create fear.
  • Geostrategic Considerations: The proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) provides militants easier access from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, facilitating infiltration and logistics support. 
    • Recent incidents indicate a deliberate effort to establish footholds in hilly and forested terrains across districts like Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi.
  • Economic Disparities: Lack of economic opportunity and development in remote and border areas of Jammu create fertile ground for recruitment of local youths by militant groups.
  • Political Alienation: Perceived political alienation among certain communities, exacerbated by historical grievances and administrative challenges, can foster sympathy or support for militant ideologies.
  • Lack of Human Intelligence:  The locals who provided information decades ago are now in their 60s or 70s, and the security forces have not nurtured relations with younger generations, highlighting a gap in human intelligence gathering.

Note

  • Terrorism: Terrorism under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2012, involves using violence or threats to create fear for political, ideological, or extremist aims, impacting national or global security.
  • Militancy: Militancy refers to a readiness to use violence or combativeness, encompassing various groups or individuals including armed religious factions, often used interchangeably with terrorism but suggesting a potentially less extreme level of violent expression compared to terrorism.

What are Historical Reasons for Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir?

  • Eroding Credibility of Political Parties: The credibility of political parties has been undermined by ineffective administration, corruption, and poor developmental outcomes.
  • Increasing Trust Deficit: Incidents of excessive force by security personnel have deepened the mistrust among the population.
  • Support from Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism: Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) provides financial and ideological backing to anti-India groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
  • Controversy over 1987 Election Rigging: The Muslim United Front (MUF), a coalition of radical groups aiming to implement Sharia law and resist central political interference, claimed election rigging leading to increased insurgency.
  • Unemployment: Elevated levels of unemployment and limited opportunities drive youth towards militancy.
  • Radicalisation: Increasing religious radicalization and communal propaganda exacerbate instability.
  • Glorification of Gun Culture: The glorification of militants who achieve instant fame, recognition, and respect, encourages a militant culture. Social media and mainstream media also contribute to this glorification.

What are the Challenges in Dealing with Rise in Militancy?

  • Geographical Terrain: The 192-km international border (IB) in Jammu and the 740-km Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir are potential infiltration points. 
    • Despite security measures, militants may have exploited tough terrains and forested areas along these borders for infiltration. The recent attacks in Kathua suggest a revival of old infiltration routes.
  • Community Relations: Building and maintaining trust between security forces and local communities, essential for intelligence gathering, remains a persistent challenge amid historical grievances and demographic diversity.
    • Though efforts are underway to revive Village Defence Guards (VDGs) to counter militant threats, these efforts are complicated by past allegations of crimes committed by VDG members.
  • Intelligence Gathering: Gathering accurate and timely intelligence is difficult due to the presence of local sympathisers and the use of sophisticated communication technologies by militants.
    • The challenge lies in facing high-tech, well-trained militants who adeptly cover their tracks by using locals' phones and apps like Telegram to evade detection by police and security forces.
  • External Support: Allegations of cross-border support from Pakistan, including weapons supply via drones, underscore the external dimensions influencing local militancy dynamics.
  • Communal Fault Lines: Jammu's demographic diversity, with a mix of Hindu, Muslim, and other communities, has historically been vulnerable to communal tensions during periods of heightened violence.
    • Recent incidents, such as the killings in Dangri village and targeted strikes on specific communities, indicate a deliberate strategy to stoke communal fears and divisions.

Steps Taken by Government to Deal With Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir

Initiative Objective
Revocation of Special Status Removed special status and privileges of Jammu and Kashmir for closer integration with India.
Shimla Agreement (1972) India-Pakistan committed to resolving differences peacefully.
Confidence-Building Measures Efforts to improve relations like bus services and trade routes.
2015 Ufa Declaration Resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan.
PARVAAZ Scheme Subsidy for air cargo transport of perishable goods from Jammu and Kashmir.
Himayat Training and placement program for unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Udaan Industry initiative for skill development and training of youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Nai Manzil Program for school dropouts or Madrasa-educated youth for mainstream education and employment.
USTAAD Scheme Upgrade skills and training of minority communities in traditional arts and crafts.
Panchayat-Level Youth Clubs Engage youth in development and recreation to reduce militancy.

Way Forward

  • Border Security Measures: Enhancing border surveillance and fortifying vulnerable points along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) is essential to curb cross-border infiltration. 
    • Investing in data analysis software to better interpret information collected through surveillance systems and identify infiltration patterns.
  • Technological Advancements: Deploying advanced surveillance technologies, drones, and night-vision equipment enhances operational effectiveness and real-time monitoring of militant activities. 
  • Legal and Political Frameworks: Strengthening legal frameworks against terrorism financing, and ensuring robust mechanisms for prosecuting suspects are essential for effective counter-terrorism operations. 
  • Community Engagement: Initiatives aimed at socio-economic development, youth empowerment, and fostering inter-community dialogue are essential to mitigate local support for extremist ideologies. 
    • Eg. Investing in education initiatives that promote tolerance and counter extremist narratives while also encouraging inter-faith dialogue and community engagement programs to foster social cohesion and address grievances that extremist groups exploit.
  • Diplomatic Outreach: Diplomatic efforts to address cross-border implications of militancy, coupled with international cooperation on counterterrorism, can help disrupt external support networks.
  • Policy Review: Continual review of security policies and adaptation to evolving militant tactics are necessary to maintain proactive security measures and minimise civilian casualties.
    • Promoting information sharing and best practice exchange between security forces and counter-terrorism experts while also ensuring civilian safety by adopting standardised operating procedures (SOPs) that minimise collateral damage.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Examine the factors contributing to the resurgence of militancy in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. Discuss the implications of this resurgence on regional stability and suggest measures to address these challenges.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following countries: (2022)

  1. Azerbaijan 
  2. Kyrgyzstan
  3. Tajikistan 
  4. Turkmenistan
  5. Uzbekistan

Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan?

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only 

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 3, 4 and 5 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (c)

Q. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: (2014)

 Famous shrine                    Location

  1. Tabo monastery :            Spiti Valley and temple complex
  2. Lhotsava Lhakhang :      Zanskar Valley temple, Nako
  3. Alchi temple complex :   Ladakh

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly  matched?

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)


Mains:

Q. 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. (2016)

Q. Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement. (2013)

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