VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, Dec 18: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to chair a high-stakes meeting today to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first such engagement since the recently concluded assembly elections in the Union Territory (UT). Sources say the meeting will focus on crafting a security roadmap for the future, especially in light of recent challenges and emerging threats in the region.
The review meeting, expected to be attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior Army commanders, officials from paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, and top brass from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), signals the government’s intent to tighten its grip on law and order in the UT.
Sources indicate that Shah will be briefed extensively on the prevailing ground situation, including developments along the volatile Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. The review is expected to encompass counterterrorism efforts, border security, and strategies to curb sporadic incidents of violence targeting both locals and non-locals in the valley.
This meeting follows the return of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, with the National Conference (NC) taking charge under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after the assembly elections in September-October. While this marks a significant democratic milestone, sporadic incidents of terrorism remain a critical concern.
Focus on Long-Term Security Planning
According to sources, Shah’s review will delve into crafting a security strategy for 2025, underscoring the need for continued vigilance post-elections. The meeting will also take stock of terror incidents, including the October 20 attack in central Kashmir, which left seven civilians dead, and other attacks targeting outsiders working in the region.
Official data highlights a sharp reduction in violence since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, with 142 terrorists eliminated in 2019 compared to 45 so far this year. Civilian casualties have also dropped from 50 in 2019 to 14 as of November 2024. However, the government remains cautious, with the focus shifting to eliminating residual threats and ensuring long-term stability.
Balancing Security and Democracy
This security review comes at a pivotal juncture as the government seeks to balance the restoration of democratic processes with its commitment to law and order. The post-election environment in Jammu and Kashmir, especially under the NC-led government, presents both opportunities and challenges. Shah is expected to address these dual imperatives, ensuring the central government’s continued oversight while empowering the elected government to deliver governance and development in the region.
Shah’s emphasis on tackling sporadic terror incidents is likely to include measures such as ramping up intelligence operations, bolstering counterinsurgency measures, and securing vulnerable border areas. With terrorism trends declining, the challenge now lies in ensuring sustainable peace and a conducive environment for development initiatives in the UT.
As Jammu and Kashmir turns a page with its first elections post-2019, Shah’s review is poised to outline a path that secures not just the UT’s borders but also its democratic gains.
