Militancy in Jammu & Kashmir

UPSC Mains PYQs

J&K Terror & Development (2019): "The banning of 'Jamaat-e-Islami' in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations." Discuss the role played by OGWs in J&K. Evaluate the strategies required to neutralize their network. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Article 370 & Security Shift (2021): Evaluate the impact of the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir and the repeal of Article 370 on the security situation and grassroot democratic institutions in the region. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

📊 High-Yield Data & Statistical Fact Sheet

Post-Article 370 Security & Development Indicators:
- Fatality Drop: Terror-related incidents and security force casualties dropped by over 70% post-2019 compared to the previous decade.
- Stone Pelting: Incidents of organized stone-pelting and street violence reduced to near-zero.
- Economic Normalization: Annual tourist footfall touched a record 1.77+ Crore tourists.
- Grassroots Democracy: Successful conduct of District Development Council (DDC) elections with high voter turnout.

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1. POST-ARTICLE 370 SECURITY LANDSCAPE

The reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir in August 2019 (repealing Article 370) structurally altered the security paradigm:

Dismantling of Separatist Infrastructure: Strict action against Hurriyat leaders, shutting down of stone-pelting networks, and choking of illicit flow of funds via hawala.
Improved Law & Order: Elimination of regular street shutdowns (hartals) and restoration of public administration, school terms, and business continuity.
The Jammu Tactical Pivot: As the counter-terror grid intensified in the Kashmir Valley, militant outfits shifted operational focus to the rugged, forested terrain of the Jammu hills (Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, Reasi) to launch surprise strikes.

Modern militancy in J&K relies on low-profile, non-traditional cadres:

Over-Ground Workers (OGWs):
- Role: Act as the logistical backbone of terror outfits. They do not hold weapons but provide shelter, transport, food, funds, and reconnaissance on security force movements.
- Neutralization Strategy: Attachment of properties under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), financial audits of front organizations, and banning of proxy socio-religious groups (e.g., Jamaat-e-Islami).
Hybrid Terrorists:
- Role: Radicalized, part-time operatives who carry out isolated, targeted attacks (pistol/grenade attacks on minorities or migrant workers) and immediately return to normal civilian routines.
- Challenge: Unlisted in security databases, making conventional tracking ineffective. Requires advanced digital intelligence and human intelligence networks.

Multi-Tier Counter-Infiltration Grid:
- Tier 1: Line of Control (LoC) guarded by the Army utilizing smart fencing (CIBMS) and anti-infiltration obstacle systems.
- Tier 2: Intermediate security zone managed by Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of the Indian Army.
- Tier 3: Hinterland security handled by the J&K Police, CRPF, and local intelligence networks.
Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill): An Army outreach initiative establishing Army Goodwill Schools, conducting youth sports tournaments, and organizing vocational and IT training camps to counter radicalization.
Village Defence Guards (VDGs): Community policing groups in remote Jammu hills. Local volunteers are armed and trained by police to defend their hamlets against militant incursions.

J&K Reorganization Year: 2019 (split J&K state into UT of J&K and UT of Ladakh).
Nodal Army Command for J&K Border Security: Northern Command (Udhampur).
Jungle Warfare Specialized Army Unit: Rashtriya Rifles (RR).
Citizen Defense Units in Jammu Hills: Village Defence Guards (VDGs).
Tri-service Counter-infiltration Nodal Grid: Counter-Infiltration Grid (CIG).
Civilian Integration Initiative Name: Operation Sadbhavana.

Notes updated up to March 2026. Sources: Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Army Northern Command.