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STRENGTHENING JAMMU’S COUNTER-TERROR GRID: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS

Syllabus:

GS-3 : Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Why in the news?

The Jammu region has faced increased terrorist activities in recent years, with significant losses for security forces. The weakened counter-terrorism grid, a result of troop redeployment to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after the Galwan incident, has necessitated the induction of additional troops and special forces to bolster security. This article explores the establishment of a counter-terrorism grid, the challenges involved, and potential solutions.

source:theeconomictimes

Historical Reasons for Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir:

• Eroding Credibility of Political Parties: Ineffective administration, corruption, and poor development have damaged political credibility.
• Increasing Trust Deficit: Excessive force by security personnel has deepened mistrust.
• Support from Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism: Pakistan’s ISI backs groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
• Controversy over 1987 Election Rigging: Claims of election rigging by the Muslim United Front (MUF) spurred insurgency.
• Unemployment: High unemployment and limited opportunities drive youth towards militancy.
• Radicalisation: Rising religious radicalization and communal propaganda exacerbate instability.
• Glorification of Gun Culture: Fame and respect for militants, fueled by media, encourage militant culture.

Establishing a Counter-Terrorism Grid:

• Strategic Deployment: Units and subunits are deployed to dominate vulnerable areas, preventing terrorist movements.
• Threat Perceptions: The Army bases the grid on terrain, vulnerable areas, and local population inclinations.
• Operational Conduct: Sub-units conduct operations to hunt terrorists, focusing on psychological aspects like gaining local support.
• Local Population Engagement: Winning the hearts and minds of locals is crucial for operational success.
• Deliberate Process: Establishing the grid is a well-thought-out, time-consuming process requiring confidence-building with the local population.

Operation Dudhi: A Case Study:

• Historical Precedent: Assam Rifles units have previously been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, performing gallantly as integral units.
• Successful Operations: Operation Dudhi in 1991 by 7 Assam Rifles is remembered as a successful operation conducted by the battalion commander with his sub-units.
• Command Trust: Commanding officers need to be trusted and allowed to control and conduct operations seamlessly.
• Current Challenges: Due to decreasing operation intensity, control often shifts beyond the battalion level, affecting operational efficiency.
• Deployment Strategy: Additional units should be deployed as integral bodies and allowed time to gain control, supported by the existing command structure.

Coordination Among Security Forces:

• Unified Command Structure: Establishing a unified command structure to ensure seamless coordination among various security forces operating in the region.
• Information Sharing: Improving real-time information sharing between the Army, local police, and intelligence agencies to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Joint Training Exercises: Conducting joint training exercises to build synergy and understanding among different security units.
• Resource Allocation: Ensuring optimal allocation of resources and manpower based on threat assessments and operational needs.
• Regular Reviews: Implementing regular review meetings to assess the effectiveness of coordination efforts and make necessary adjustments.

Technological Integration:

• Surveillance Systems: Deploying advanced surveillance systems, including drones and ground-based sensors, to monitor suspicious activities and movements.
• Communication Networks: Establishing robust communication networks for real-time information exchange and coordination among security forces.
• Data Analytics: Utilising data analytics and artificial intelligence to predict and counter terrorist activities.
• Cybersecurity: Strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and operational plans from being compromised.
• Equipment Upgrades: Regularly upgrading the equipment and technology used by security forces to keep pace with evolving threats.

Community Involvement:

• Awareness Programs: Conducting awareness programs to educate the local population about the importance of cooperating with security forces.
• Community Policing: Implementing community policing initiatives to build trust and rapport between the security forces and local residents.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing anonymous reporting mechanisms for locals to share information about suspicious activities.
• Support Networks: Creating support networks to assist families affected by terrorism and violence, fostering a sense of security and solidarity.
• Youth Engagement: Engaging with the youth through educational and vocational programs to prevent them from being influenced by extremist ideologies.

Challanges:

• Coordination Gaps Among Agencies: Ineffective coordination among different security agencies can lead to fragmented operations, reducing overall effectiveness. Lack of unified command structures and poor information sharing often hamper efforts to tackle terrorism efficiently.
• Integration of New Troops: Newly inducted troops face significant challenges in integrating with existing units. They must quickly adapt to the local terrain, understand the dynamics of the local population, and establish trust, which is a complex and time-consuming process.
• Technological Limitations: Inadequate or outdated surveillance and communication technology can severely impact the ability to monitor and respond to terrorist activities effectively. The lack of advanced equipment and real-time data analytics hinders operational success.
• Community Distrust: Building and maintaining trust with the local population is challenging, particularly in areas where there is historical distrust or fear of security forces. This distrust can impede efforts to gather crucial intelligence and support.
• Resource Allocation: Optimal allocation of resources, including manpower and equipment, is a persistent challenge. Misallocation can lead to insufficient coverage in critical areas, leaving gaps that terrorists may exploit.
• Operational Fatigue: Prolonged counter-terrorism operations can lead to operational fatigue among security forces, impacting their effectiveness and morale. Continuous high-intensity operations without adequate rest or support can degrade performance.
• Evolving Threats: The constantly evolving nature of terrorist tactics and strategies poses a significant challenge. Security forces must continuously adapt their strategies and technologies to counter new and emerging threats effectively.

Strategic Solutions to Strengthen Jammu’s Counter-Terror Grid:

• Enhancing Intelligence Capabilities: Strengthen intelligence-gathering mechanisms by investing in advanced surveillance technology, improving human intelligence networks, and fostering better information sharing between different agencies to preempt terrorist activities effectively.
• Reinforcing Border Security: Deploy additional security forces and advanced monitoring equipment along the Line of Control (LoC) and international borders to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and arms, ensuring stricter surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
• Establishing Unified Command Centers: Set up unified command centres that integrate the efforts of the Army, paramilitary forces, and local police to coordinate operations, share real-time information, and streamline decision-making processes for more efficient counter-terrorism strategies.
• Expanding Community Engagement Programs: Launch comprehensive community engagement programs to build trust between security forces and local populations, involving local leaders and residents in intelligence gathering, and educating them about the importance of cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
• Improving Training and Capacity Building: Invest in regular and specialised training programs for security personnel, including joint exercises and scenario-based drills, to enhance their operational skills, adapt to evolving threats, and ensure readiness for complex counter-terrorism operations.
• Leveraging Technological Innovations: Integrate cutting-edge technologies such as drones, biometric systems, and advanced communication networks into counter-terrorism operations to enhance surveillance, improve data accuracy, and facilitate real-time coordination and response.
• Fostering Regional and International Cooperation: Strengthen regional and international partnerships to share intelligence, coordinate joint operations, and access external resources and expertise, thereby bolstering the overall effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies and ensuring a broader, collaborative approach to combating terrorism.

Conclusion:

Enhancing the counter-terrorism grid in Jammu is critical for addressing the region’s security challenges. Strategic deployment, effective integration of new troops, and continuous engagement with the local population are essential for success. Learning from past operations like Operation Dudhi and ensuring operational autonomy for commanders will strengthen the region’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Source: The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the multifaceted approach required to strengthen the counter-terrorism grid in Jammu. Highlight the importance of coordination among security forces, technological integration, and community involvement in addressing the region’s security challenges. Evaluate how these strategies can collectively enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations and ensure long-term stability in the region.