Indian Express Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : J&K militancy
GS-3 Mains Exam : Security
Revision Notes
Note: This editorial are solely for informational updates; direct questions cannot be formulated
Government’s claims:
- Home Minister claims 66% decline in terrorist incidents since Article 370 abrogation.
- Prime Minister highlights rise in tourism as a positive sign.
- Higher voter turnout in recent elections adds to optimism.
Fragile peace:
- Reasi bus attack on PM’s swearing-in day exposes vulnerability.
Why Reasi attack is significant:
- Reasi had minimal past militancy.
- Last attack in the region (May 2022) targeted Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
- Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch witnessed militancy in 1990s, but Jammu seemed to contain it.
- 2021 attack in Poonch (38 soldiers + 11 civilians killed) signaled resurgence.
Shift in militant tactics:
- Tighter security in Kashmir Valley might be pushing militants towards Jammu districts.
- Reasi’s distance from LoC suggests alternative infiltration routes.
- Pressure in Rajouri & Poonch may force militants to find new battlegrounds.
- Pir Panjal range’s terrain offers escape routes and launchpads for attacks.
- Reasi attack (militants hiding in forests) exemplifies this strategy.
LeT and its proxies:
- LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) uses proxies like TRF (The Resistance Front) to avoid scrutiny.
- TRF claimed responsibility for the Reasi attack.
- 2022 data shows most killed militants belonged to LeT or TRF (persistence of old networks).
Local support:
- Historically, Jammu insurgency lacked sustained local support.
- Reasi residents apprehended LeT militants in July 2022.
Conclusion:
- Reasi attack necessitates renewed vigilance.
- Balancing security with commitment to J&K assembly elections is crucial.
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