The directive by J&K LG to identify and take action against Government employees with a history of links to terrorism is a crucial step in the complete dismantling of the terror ecosystem that has plagued the region for decades. This move must be seen not in isolation but as part of a broader national effort to uproot the deeply entrenched separatist mindset that was allowed to flourish unchecked for over seventy years post-independence. For decades, appeasement-driven policies turned a blind eye to the growing menace of separatism and radicalism in the Kashmir Valley. The political establishment failed to acknowledge the brewing storm, permitting anti-national forces to penetrate every stratum of society-from educational institutions and religious centres to Government departments. The result was a dangerous normalisation of extremist ideologies, where shutdowns, street protests, and violent insurgency became a part of daily life. Even the mere words of ‘separatists’ or ‘terrorists’ carried the weight of law, inducing fear and obedience from the common people.
Shockingly, known terrorists who were involved in killing innocent civilians and security forces not only roamed free but also joined mainstream politics, openly bragging about their misdeeds. They were never brought to justice. Instead, their families were rewarded with Government jobs and social security while they continued to fuel hatred from across the border. Such behaviour encouraged a sense of impunity and emboldened further subversion from within.
It wasn’t until the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 that the Union Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finally decided to confront the issue head-on. By banning separatist organisations, freezing their bank accounts, confiscating their ill-gotten properties, and initiating legal proceedings against their leaders, the Government began restoring the rule of law in the region. Street violence, stone pelting, and prolonged shutdowns have since become relics of the past. However, a sinister layer still survives – a Government-embedded terror ecosystem.
While around 100 Government employees have already been dismissed for their involvement in supporting terrorism, the LG’s directive to further investigate and expose more such elements is a welcome step. Many of these individuals have gone dormant, hiding their true allegiances, while continuing to serve in sensitive departments. Their mere presence in public institutions is a threat to national security and to the safety of ordinary citizens. Identifying and removing them is not only necessary but also non-negotiable.
Equally commendable is the Government’s renewed focus on the victims of terrorism – a group long-neglected and often silenced. The establishment of special grievance redressal cells, toll-free helplines, and a dedicated unit in the LG Secretariat sends a strong message: the Government will not only punish the perpetrators of terror but will also stand firmly with the victims. This includes ensuring the restoration of properties seized by terrorists or their sympathisers, provision of Government jobs to next of kin, and financial support through schemes like MUDRA to help them rebuild their lives. The significance of these initiatives cannot be overstated. Restoring the rights and dignity of terror victim families is not just an act of compassion – it is an act of justice. It signals the re-establishment of faith in the nation, in the Constitution, and democratic institutions.
At the same time, this approach serves as a clear warning to those still harbouring separatist ideologies: there will be no safe haven, no impunity, and no escape from justice. Whether they are living openly or hiding under the guise of civil servants, the net is tightening, and accountability is inevitable. Let it be clear to all, the systematic decimation of the terror ecosystem in J&K is not just an internal security measure – it is a national necessity. The battle is no longer just about territorial integrity but about ideological supremacy. The choice is now stark: a society governed by law, peace, and democracy, or one held hostage by extremism and fear. With bold administrative action and unflinching political will, the tide has decisively turned. Justice may have been delayed for decades, but it will no longer be denied.
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