Terrorism in Kashmir

Published on 03 Feb 2025

Terrorism has been a significant security threat faced by India for years, with Kashmir being the hotspot for such activities. While Kashmir is showing a declining trend in militancy, the region is by no means free from the threat of terrorism.

Impacts of terrorism in Kashmir

• Social impact

• Loss of lives and trauma: Between 2020 and 2022, around 99 people died due to terrorism related incidents. [Global Terrorism Index 2022]

• Displacement: There is no official data, but approximately 100,000 of the total Kashmiri Pandit population of 140,000 left the valley during the 1990s..

• Youth recruitment: Youth are more vulnerable to be radicalized and this ruins their career prospects and degenerates them of the social values.

• Example: As compared to 131 young people , who joined various terrorist outfits in 2017, the number in 2018 rose to over 200. (MHA)

• Economic impact

• Reduced investment: The security situation deters both foreign and domestic investment into the region which creates a development deficit.

• Example: Between 2018 and 2022, investment into Jammu & Kashmir fell by 55% due to security concerns, curfew and internet shutdown. (MHA data)

• Low Development: Diversion of resource to ensure Security instead of ensuring development

• Political impact

• Stalled conflict resolution efforts: Frequent attacks by state sponsored terror groups disrupt negotiations and hinder efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

• Example: The 2016 Uri attack resulted in suspension of SAARC meeting and affected India’s bilateral peace talks with Pakistan.

• Political instability: Frequent violence and state repercussions create instability in the political network, reducing public trust in democracy.

• Losing people’s trust: Collective punishment like internet ban alienates people from the government and it leads to erosion of trust of locals

• Security impact

• Loss of security personnel: This affects the morale and operational capability of the force.

• Example: Since 1988, security forces have lost 6636 due to terrorism related attacks. (South Asia Terrorism Portal)

• Impact civil military relations: Posting large numbers of security personnel and frequent security operations creates tension between force and the locals.

• Example: As per report presented in UNHRC, 145 civilians were killed by security forces between 2016 and 2018 in Kashmir

Challenges in eradicating terrorism in the region

• Cross border infiltration: Infiltration of militants from Pakistan has been key for reinforcing terrorism in the region.

• Example: 14 incidents of cross border infiltration into Kashmir in 2022. (Data presented in Parliament)

• Local recruitment: Some segments of the local population have been sympathetic or supportive to militants, which facilitates recruitments.

• Example: 700 local youths have been recruited into terror groups over the past 4 years in Kashmir. (MHA data)

• Uncertain Political Climate: This deprives the trust of people on democracy and they get attracted towards fringe elements.

• Example: The decision to suspend Article 370 created a huge political stir and instability in the region.

• Operational difficulty: The mountainous terrain and climate hamper proper functioning of the security forces.

• Organized crime networks: The presence of such networks aids in the growth of terrorism as they provide funding and weapons to the terrorist groups.

• Example: Money laundering networks.

• Developmental deficit: Shortage of infrastructure and job opportunities makes youth vulnerable to be exploited by terror outfits.

• Example: In March 2023, the unemployment rate in Jammu & Kashmir increased to around 23%. (CMIE data)

• Cyber radicalization: Forwarding scandalizing messages and footages through popular platforms like WhatsApp misconceives the digitally illiterate locals.

• Feeling of alienation: Many of the locals feel that they are alienated from the nation, both politically and economically, and this questions their integrity to the nation.

Way forward

In recent years, militancy events in the region have declined. To further mitigate terrorism and local recruitment, it's vital to generate employment and address development gaps. Maintaining positive military-civilian relations and ensuring political stability are essential for a unified effort against terrorism.

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
Internal security Terrorism Terrorism in Kashmir Article 370

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security