By Manish Shukla
A spike in terrorist violence across Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a calculated move to derail the upcoming assembly elections and spread fear among residents. As per Indian intelligence sources, the recent surge in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir may be linked to the forthcoming assembly elections in the state.
The Election Commission is now preparing for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, and the dates for the elections are likely to be announced soon. Security agencies believe the high voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections, with a record 58 percent participation, rattled terrorist groups operating from across the border.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a worrying escalation in terrorist activity in recent days. Three separate attacks within a three-day period, mark a worrying escalation in violence and underscore the ongoing struggle for peace.
A horrific terror attack struck Jammu and Kashmir on June 9, 2024, leaving nine pilgrims dead and 42 injured. A bus carrying devotees returning from the Shiv Khori shrine was ambushed by terrorists in the Reasi district. Initial reports suggest the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group may be behind the attack. Jammu and Kashmir police have formed investigation teams to apprehend those responsible.
Second terror incident occurred on June 11th, when terrorists infiltrated into a home in the Kathua district. Another attack reported on an army post located in the Doda district was attacked by terrorists, leading to an exchange of fire.
Central Agencies and state police have launched a full-scale investigation into these attacks, with a focus on apprehending those responsible and dismantling any potential networks involved.
Security forces have been placed on high alert across the region, with increased patrolling and heightened vigilance to prevent further violence.
To curb terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, central intelligence agencies, the Indian Army, police, and Border Security Force (BSF) are sharing intelligence information with each other on a regular basis.
Additionally, the BSF and Indian Army have intensified its patrolling along the International Border and Line of Control, ensuring a tight security grid to prevent any infiltration or terrorist activity.
This coordination and increased security measures aim to strengthen the counter-terrorism efforts and maintain peace in the Union Territory.
The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the Amarnath Yatra, pose a significant security challenge for the security forces.
On June 10, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V K Birdi, chaired a security review meeting in the backdrop of upcoming festivals and at PCR Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Range DIsG, District SSsP & other senior officers of PCR Kashmir.
During the meeting the district Police chiefs briefed the IGP Kashmir about the overall security scenario and the preparations put in place for upcoming events. SSP Ganderbal gave a detailed briefing regarding the upcoming Mela Kheer Bhawani and preparations for Amarnath Yatra. During the meeting, Police discussed the security arrangements and to enhance the anti-terrorist grid by generating specific intelligence and to intensify CASOs/anti-terrorist operations in all the districts.
As per the Central Government and State Government report security situation has improved with a decline in terror activities and recruitment of locals into militancy since the abrogation of Article 370. Tourism in J&K is scaling new heights, with 1.88 crore tourists visiting the UT last year.
If the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are conducted peacefully after the Lok Sabha elections, it would indeed be a significant achievement for the Indian security forces. Ensuring peaceful elections in a region that has faced security challenges and terrorist activities in the past would demonstrate the effectiveness of the security measures and the ability of the security forces to maintain law and order.
It would also boost the confidence of the people in the democratic process and reinforce the government’s efforts to promote development and stability in the region.
With nearly two decades in Journalism, the author covers Defence, Security and Foreign Affairs. His expertise covers a wide range of crucial subjects, including terror-related cases, Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pakistan relations, and India-China relations.
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