The back-to-back visits of the Union Home Minister and the Union Home Secretary to J&K underline one unmistakable reality: the Government is treating the remaining challenge of terrorism with utmost seriousness and zero tolerance. High-level security reviews, joint meetings of top civil, military, police, and intelligence officials, and sustained operational focus signal that complacency has no place in the current security calculus. There is no denying the progress achieved since August 5, 2019. The dismantling of the separatist ecosystem, choking of terror financing, disruption of hawala channels, and decisive action against overground workers have fundamentally altered the security landscape. Public life has normalised; stone-pelting and shutdowns have vanished. Yet, the presence of nearly three dozen terrorists hiding in the upper reaches and forest belts of the Jammu division remains a cause for concern. Their survival capability, even if limited, allows them to attempt sporadic strikes, leading to periodic encounters with security forces.
The Government’s current emphasis must therefore remain sharply focused on critical areas. Area domination and terrain-specific operations in the hilly and forested belts of Jammu need further intensification. High-altitude counter-terror operations demand sustained deployment, specialised training, and patience. The objective should be clear: deny terrorists the advantage of terrain and force them into contact before they can regroup or strike. Intelligence-driven operations are the key to eliminating the last remnants of terrorism. Human intelligence, backed by technical surveillance and real-time inter-agency sharing, must remain the backbone of counter-terror strategy. The increasing willingness of local citizens to provide inputs is a major force multiplier and must be encouraged through trust-building and swift action on credible information. Most importantly, smashing the remaining OGW networks is non-negotiable. Terrorists cannot survive without logistics, shelter, communication, and guidance. Every link-however minor-must be identified and neutralised to completely suffocate terrorist modules operating in isolation. Additionally, border and airspace security, especially against drone intrusions, deserves relentless attention. The Government’s refusal to take drone excursions lightly reflects strategic clarity. Effective counter-drone measures, constant surveillance, and rapid response are essential to prevent infiltration and arms drops.
The frequent reviews by the HM and HS demonstrate that counter-terrorism is being pursued in a mission mode. This top-down seriousness ensures accountability, momentum, and clarity of purpose. The endgame is in sight, but it demands sustained pressure. The Government appears determined to finish the job-and achieve it ultimately.
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