The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant improvement over the past five years, according to the Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, in a recent presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs. Despite this progress, militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad continue to pose a serious threat to the region’s stability.
Mohan’s presentation was made against the backdrop of the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in August 2019. Since the restructuring, law and order in the region has been under the direct responsibility of the Central Government, with an increasing focus on civilian safety.
Improvement in Civilian Safety
The Home Ministry shared comparative data to highlight the decline in terror-related incidents. In 2019, 50 civilians were killed in terror-related incidents. This figure has dramatically fallen to 14 so far in 2024, a reduction of more than 70%. The number of attacks on civilians also saw a similar decline, from 73 attacks in 2019 to just 10 so far this year.
In 2023, only 5 civilian deaths were reported, marking a near threefold reduction compared to the number of casualties this year. This trend indicates a continued effort from the government and security agencies to improve the safety of local populations.
Security Forces: Fewer Attacks and Casualties
The security situation, particularly in relation to security forces, has also improved. In 2019, there were 96 attacks on security forces, a number that rose to 111 in 2020 but has steadily decreased in subsequent years. By 2024, this figure has fallen to just 5 attacks. Similarly, the number of security personnel casualties has dropped from 77 in 2019 to 7 so far in 2024, showing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations and improved security measures.
Terrorist Infiltration Attempts Decline
The number of terrorist infiltration attempts has decreased significantly. From a peak of 141 incidents in 2019, the number has fallen to just 3 so far in 2024, underscoring the success of border security operations. The Home Ministry also reported a decrease in the number of terrorists eliminated, from 142 in 2019 to 44 in 2024. While these numbers reflect a reduction in terrorist activity, the threat remains significant, particularly from groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
Vision @ 2047: A Safe and Prosperous Future
Looking ahead, the Home Ministry’s Vision @ 2047 aims to build a safe, prosperous, and harmonious India. This includes efforts to strengthen internal security, cybersecurity, and the criminal justice system. The government has also pledged to eliminate terrorist support networks, dismantle terror financing operations, and take strong legal action against anti-India elements.
The goal is not just to improve security in Jammu and Kashmir but also to ensure prosperous borders that will contribute to overall national development.
Conclusion
While the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved over the past five years, with marked declines in civilian casualties, attacks on security forces, and terrorist infiltration attempts, the threat from militant groups persists. The Central Government remains committed to enhancing security and ensuring the region’s stability while working towards the long-term vision of a safe and prosperous India.
