Dr Sudershan Kumar
Adorning our mother India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is a land embodied with immense natural mesmerizing beauty and cultural richness. However, for decades now, the scourge of terrorism has engulfed it subjecting it to hindered progress, disturbed social harmony and despair. The ripples have been felt time and again. The recent dastardly act in Pahalgam has come up as the latest nail to the coffin, disrupting the upfront progress seen. Thus the apt time seems to have come for resolute and collective efforts to eradicate terrorism from Union Territory of Jammu-Kashmir and restore lasting peace. Achieving terror free Jammu and Kashmir is not just a regional necessity but a national imperative. It requires a multi dimensional approach addressing the root causes and methods employed to sustain terrorism and also adopt the strategy of achieving zero tolerance towards terrorism. Before a firm rhetoric, we need to delve into the various aspects of terrorism, analysing role of technology in multiplying the terror threats, brief history, root cause of terrorism and the way forward to make Union Territory of J-K terror free. Terrorism, a global phenomenon, involves the use of or a threat of violence to instill fear and achieve political and ideological goals, after targeting innocent civilians to exert pressure on Governments or societies. Therefore, terrorism is not a new phenomenon it has long been a method of violent action by organizations and individuals attempting to achieve political goals. Indeed, terrorism is not an end but rather a modus operandi. According to Bruce Hoffman, all terrorists share one common denominator. They live in the future and are convinced that they will defeat their enemies and achieve their political goals through violence. But they are actually oblivious towards reality. Therefore, these terrorists end up their lives surrounded by hallucinations. In the process, they not only destroy themselves and ruin their families and break the moral fibre of the society but also lead the country towards bankruptcy and destruction. Our rogue neighbour Pakistan is the glaring example of that. Exploitation of religion for political purpose and violence is an old age phenomenon. It is pertinent to reiterate that all religions have produced deviant and dangerous fringe groups, and Islam like Christianity and Judaism, also preaches, peace and non violence. The terrorists, who speak for Islam are abusing their faith and religion for ulterior motives need to be condemned around the globe with one voice. Besides terrorism has significant issues across the globe; with its origin rooted in political, ideological and religious conflicts over the centuries has evolved influencing geopolitics, security measures and the collective psyche of society throughout world. Further advancements in technology have exhilarated terror threats to manifold. In year 1605, the terrorist Guy Fawkes planned 29 barrels of explosive to blow up King James and British Parliament, however today, even a small explosive device in pursue can achieve the same effect. Bomb making recipes are readily available on the internet. Moreover, terrorists use cellular phones, encryption software to avoid detection and they have sophisticated means for forging passport and document. Finally terrorism today is more devastating than in the past because of mass media. No story plays better or longer than a terrorist attack. Today’s media especially television multiply the fear of effect of terrorism by vividly covering its horror. They seek to explore media coverage to put people and their Government in psychological defence. The availability of advanced technology with the support of state actors and publicity from media has further compounded the threat of terror related incidents to manifold. As part of a strategy, its Military Junta, ISI and Deep state has let loose the rein of state sponsored terrorism for disturbing peace in the Kashmir valley for the past three decades. If one looks into literature, one finds that the space created by the then dispensation in power both at centre and in state especially after 1987 assembly elections was filled by Military Janta, ISI and Deep State of Pakistan. Further the fragile and soft peddle approach adopted by the previous regimes emboldened the militants to the extent that during1990s the one particular community was forcefully driven out from Kashmir Valley. Therefore, before going for the way forward, one must analyse the root cause and source of terrorism in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The various factors involved are:- i) The first, foremost is the cross border influence and support. The significant factor behind terrorism in Union Territory of J&K is the persistent cross border infiltration by terrorists and Jihadis from LOC& IB. Hawks in Pakistan at the behest of ISI have continuously been creating unrest in UT of Jammu-Kashmir especially Kashmir valley by providing financial, logistic and ideological support to terror groups and Jihadist groups, disgruntled and anti social elements. These hawks in rogue country have only one agenda of disturbing peace in valley, creating psychological fear among innocent people, making their life hell and also to keep the pot boiling to attract international attention. ii) Radicalization and Extremist Propaganda:- Terror organizations use online and offline propaganda to mislead the innocent young minds. The lack of awareness, coupled with emotional exploitation, often leads young minds into trap of extremism. iii) Socio Economic Challenges: Unemployment, lack of quality education and economic instability, made certain section of security vulnerable to extremist ideologies. The basic needs when unmet, upsets the minds of young people, frustration starts brewing in their minds. These frustrated youth get allured by lolly pop offered by terror organizations without realizing long term implications on their future lives. iv) Miss information and Psychological warfare: Social media, digital platform and many apps including Dark WEB have become tools for spreading false propaganda and miss information with sole purpose of, brain washing of young innocent people in UT of J-K. Besides, these tools also fuel Jehidi tendencies. v) Lack of Communication Engagement in Counter Terrorism: World wide, it is established fact that local communities are the first line of defence against terrorism, but in the past, during previous regime, there has been insufficient engagement between the administration and common people in addressing the security threat. More over the soft paddle approach adopted by previous dispensations both at centre and in state has created a class of people known as “Over Ground Workers” (OGW) These OGWs are proving to be more dangerous than terrorists. These OGWs at the behest of Pak handlers mingle with various section of society, extract relevant information and pass on to terrorists who are infiltrating either from LOC or IB. Many of them act as guides for them. Thus they not only provide logistic support to terrorists, but also play a lead role for execution of terror plans at the place of their choice in UT-of J-K and go caught free .These two face people need to be segregated from society. Moreover, it is utmost important for common man to be vigilant from these scrupulous class of people and report any unusal activity happening in their area to security agencies. Hence the way forward to make UT of J-K terror free is to address the real cause of terrorism in UT of J-K and adopt multi prong strategy in tackling terrorism in UT of J-K. In general, steps involved are:- Strengthening Security Grid. Enhanced intelligence gathering and surveillance to curb terror related incidents. Strengthening border security to prevent cross border infiltration. Deployment of 24/7 advanced and critical technology gadgets. Promoting awareness among the youth about the danger of extremism. Encouraging Religious and community leaders to spread the message of peace and brotherhood. Regulating digital platform to prevent extremist propaganda. Lay Emphasis on social economic development and political and administrative reforms etc. Besides, winning information war through factual narratives are absolutely essential. The positive story telling and promotion of region’s development and harmony are also the critical elements for counter terror operations. It is also a fact that multi prong approach adopted by present Modi Government at the centre and security agencies of especially after August 2019 in UT of J-K is laudable and given rich dividends .The counter terrorism operation initiated by multiple agencies with firm and strong resolute to make UT of J-K free from terrorism are clearly showing visible change on ground. Almost peace prevails in entire UT of Jammu and Kashmir with all round development. More over the successful conduction of assembly election from 18th September to 1st October 2024 by Central Government through ECI, without any violence is the glaring example of positive wind blowing in Kashmir valley. This is not going well with our rogue neighbour. Recent statement of Pak army chief that Kashmir is Pak’s jugular vein reflects clear frustration in his mind over his failure in tackling the internal situation in his country. Also the recent inhumane cowardly attack at Pahalgam on innocent tourists is a desperate attempt to hamper the new found economic prosperity in Kadhmir.
Pak Militry Junta, ISI and Deep State are leaving no stone unturned in pushing terrorists to UT of J-K via LOC/IB. As a result stray incidents of terror are occurring in Jammu division But nothing withstanding this, the vision of terror free Jammu-Kashmir is achievable under Modi Government. The Government, security forces, civil society and people from all walks of society including ex servicemen and Dogras of Jammu-Kashmir must work hand in hand to uproot terrorism and bring peace in UT of J-K. “Time for Action is Now” Together we can create future, where the region thrives without fear and people live in harmony free from shadow of terrorism. This is possible only under the visionary and strong leadership of our Prime Minister Narender Modi. “Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai.”The article is dedicated to innocent lives killed in Pahalgam terror attack
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