- The recent history is replete with instances of the perennial nature of how Jammu & Kashmir continues to remain in the limelight despite the Indian government authorities straining every sinew to ensure that peace and tranquility are not disturbed. Despite focusing fully on providing everything under its purview including security personnel, precious funds, resources, and time to bring the region into the mainstream, J&K continues to witness sporadic terrorist intrusion and attacks leading to the killing of innocent lives. Yes, the region turned a leaf when the Union Government abrogated Article 370 and 35-A as promised in its election manifesto and much to the delight of most Indian citizens. However, cross-border terrorism hasn’t been curtailed fully.
PC: India Today
- Astonishingly, Pakistan despite facing an economic meltdown amid fear of complete collapse continues to foment trouble in the region using terrorist-related attacks showcasing how deeply the country is invested in targeting India. With terrorists frequently changing tactics, the LG and UT governments must close ranks on security to ensure such attacks are preempted and neutralized effectively. The recent attack on a workers’ camp in Kashmir’s Ganderbal by suspected Pakistani terrorists represents the first big security challenge for the new UT government. This is the fifth targeted attack in Kashmir this year, representing a clear trend among terrorists to gun for non-locals. The local security intelligence network should be immediately strengthened.
- Notably, three of the six workers were from outside J&K. Plus, the fact that the victims were working for a private company building the 6.5km -Morh tunnel shows that the terrorists aim to disrupt big-ticket infra and investment in J&K. There are reports that the construction site did not have adequate security. This needs to be investigated and remedied because this construction is part of the larger Zojila tunnel project that aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, and therefore should have been better protected. Yes, the successful conduct of assembly elections in J&K and the inauguration of the new UT government have spooked terrorists and their Pakistani handlers.
PC: The Dispatch
- While the security dragnet in Kashmir has helped bring down terror incidents and casualties over the last few years, terrorists are now deploying frequently changing tactics to undermine the Naya Kashmir narrative. In 2022, targeted killings by overground workers of terror outfits were the preferred modus operandi. But last year, a new tactic of hitting targets south of the Pir Panjal in Jammu came to the fore. It now seems terrorists are moving some of their operations back to the Kashmir region. Under the new administrative scheme, it’s the LG overseeing law & order chairing the unified headquarters counter-terrorism meetings. He must involve the CM to synergize security matters across the government machinery. All of us should ensure J&K marches ahead.
