The Central Government on 5 August 2019 withdrew the special status from the state of J&K post abrogation of Articles 370 & 35-A, enshrined as temporary provision in the constitution. The abrogation was followed by “The Operation All Out”, which was launched in the valley to hit at the backbone of the terrorism. While the Kinetic Operations reduced the number of terrorists in the valley, a multi pronged approach was adopted by the Govt to dismantle the terror network in the valley. These actions included the declaring of the J&K as a Union Territory, rejuvenating the J&K police cadre, international posturing of zero tolerance to terrorism, Financial Action Task Force(FATF) actions against Pakistan, amendments in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Acts, and empowering the state machinery by agencies like the State Intelligence Agency, NIA etc. Mass funerals of terrorists which caused idolisation of the terrorists turning them into heroes were stopped. International pressure, growing influence of India in the world stage and a well coordination security setup in the valley led to Pakistan not resorting to major actions and keep the threshold of its actions low.
The ISI backed terror network required to do something very drastic to keep the pot boiling in the valley. The desperate attempt to revive the terrorism in the valley led to creating what is known as the “Hybrid Terrorism”. In May 2022 alone eight attacks took place. These attacks were carried out by Pistol or grenades borne novice terrorists. These attackers were never physically met by any handler, but they were only recruited and given online instructions to carry out the attacks. Their parents, neighbours and no one knew that they are associated with any terror group, Hyderpora encounter is one such example. They are recruited online, given online training, and even communicated the target online. Weapons are sent to them through a drop box method. They commit the terror act and then return the weapon. They work on a case-to-case basis and then go back to their daily lives. The attacks initially were aimed at a narrative of targeting Non Locals or govt agency sympathisers, but later extended to killing Minority community with a radical Islamic narrative.
On 02 June 2022, a statement and letter issued by Kashmir Freedom Fighters spokesperson Wasim Mir said that just as bank manager Vijay Kumar was murdered, all those who try to change the demography of Kashmir would be killed. That's why people from other states who have settled here are foolishly expecting that the Modi government will settle them here, this is nothing but a hoax. They should understand the reality now, otherwise, it should not be too late and the next number will be yours. This strategy has given Pakistani terror industry some distinct advantages, firstly the cost of recruiting training and then supporting a terrorist was brought down. Secondly, it gave the terrorism a local flavour by portraying these incidents as to have been resulted out of govt actions post abrogation to change the demography of the region by resettling the Kashmiri Pandits in the valley through the PM Package scheme (Whether these actions are Demographic change or Demographic restoration is a subject of perception). Thirdly it helped furthering the cause of an Islamic narrative in the valley by victimising the Kashmiri Muslim youth.
These terrorists however were either arrested or have been neutralised in a short time. However this control over the incidents was achieved by a very aggressive approach and simultaneous coordinated actions at all levels. The kinetic actions were again supported by an extended concurrent actions which were initiated to included ban on radical educational institutes like Falah-e-Aam, arrest of radical and anti-national Muslim clerics in the valley, opening of Cinema halls in the valley and attaching of properties of individuals who have been found to have supported or sheltered terrorists. India remains firm that it shall continue with its policy of Zero Tolerance on terrorism and wouldn’t allow such intentions of a nefarious neighbour to succeed. The Kashmir valley has certainly shown signs of getting back to normalcy with a large majority wanting peace to prevail in the valley.
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