- The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance would have us believe that everything is honky-dory in Jammu & Kashmir vis-à-vis the security situation as well as peace prevalent in the region now. Ever since Article 370 was abrogated by the Union Government, the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor has ensured the security apparatus does not allow troublemakers much leeway in perpetrating terrorist-related attacks. However, sporadic incidents of target killings have been reported in the last year or so contrary to the claims of the Union Government and the local administration. In between, the calls to conduct assembly elections have been heard by the Supreme Court which has ruled the Election Commission to carry out polls by September.
PC: The Hindu
- One of the big plusses emerging from the recently concluded General Elections is the heartwarming increase in the percentage of people voting in the J&K region. This must have warmed the cockles of the authorities paving the way for the eventual state assembly elections. Disturbingly, the increase in the terror attacks in the last few weeks cannot be taken lightly and the security apparatus must step up vigilance to thwart any further dastardly acts. Terrorists attacking four places in four days in the Jammu region of J&K have brought back bad memories of yore. Mind you, it’s no coincidence these attacks come at a time when a new govt is taking office in New Delhi – Modi recently chaired a J&K security review meeting.
- Make no mistake, terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan want to send out a clear message that they can disrupt peace in J&K at any given time and the nullification of Article 370 hasn’t mitigated the strategic objectives of the Pakistani deep state. Moreover, terrorists are attempting different tactics to try and outfox security forces. In 2022, targeted killings were their modus operandi. Furthermore, since last year, terrorists have reverted to conventional maneuvers, especially south of the Pir Panjal – an area that has seen relative calm for almost two decades. This will force security forces to once again reorient their strategies in countering the terrorists. Terrorists are desperate to undermine the normalization process and the Naya Kashmir narrative.
PC: News18
- As such, it must be worrying the authorities as the Reasi ambush of a bus carrying pilgrims killing nine and injuring 41. Note that around 2.11cr tourists visited J&K last year – a big win for local tourism. Terrorists want to disrupt these stakeholders in peace. Plus, the successful conduct of Lok Sabha elections in J&K hasn’t gone unnoticed across the border. Terrorist handlers now want to subvert J&K assembly polls, slated to be held by Sep 30. Under no circumstances should GOI and EC cave in. They must hold those polls on time. GOI needs to be wary of Pakistan too. Peace overtures by political leaders appear to be symbolic with the Pakistani Army still calling the shots. GOI must keep its guard up by tightening the security dragnet but hold J&K polls on time.
