2015 was an important year for Jammu and Kashmir. New Government formation following state assembly elections, Amarnath yatra were conducted during the year while continuing to retain morale ascendancy over the terrorists, despite the dynamics of Pak’s involvement in the state, border issues and other internal developments.
Internal Development of the State.
Own counter terrorist grid continued to maintain dominance and deny any space to terrorists. Synergised hard-intelligence based joint ops with the JKP and CAPF have been the hallmark of these ops. During the year in various successful ops, over 100 terrorists have been neutralized including some top terrorist commanders like Abu Qasim, LeT, who was responsible for Hyderpora attack on Army convoy in 2013. Continued dismantling of the terrorist infrastructure has ensured that the terrorist cadre has been kept on the run.
Infiltration Attempts.
There has been significant improvement in the counter infiltration profile along the Line of Control (LoC). This year, as per assessment of various agencies, there has been significant reduction /decrease in infiltration.
Decrease in Terrorist Initiated Incidences.
In a year that witnessed desperate attempts by the nexus of terrorists & separatists to reassert itself, SF were eminently successful in restricting the terrorist initiated incidences, in spite of regular attempts to destabilize the prevailing peace by attempting terrorist initiated incidences on soft targets & orchestrating agitations. Enhanced vigilance levels & increase security measures have restricted terrorist initiated incidences this year.
Internal Situation.
The internal security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is stable. The counter terrorism operations are effective and the potential of terrorists has significantly reduced. There is high level of synergy amongst all security forces and Govt agencies. Consequently, terrorism incidents show a declining trend. Developmental activities of the Government are picking up momentum. However, continuing local recruitment remains a cause of concern.
LAC Peaceful.
The LAC along China is peaceful and stable, border related issues are resolved through the existing mechanism of BPMs.
Recoveries.
As part of effective domination of the AOR own troops apart from neutralizing terrorists also busted a large number of hideouts and recovered caches in which huge quantity of weapons, explosives, IEDs and other war like stores. This year over 350 weapons and 40 IEDs / explosive hauls have been recovered, plus other warlike and logistics stores. This clearly highlights the nefarious designs and intransigence of Pakistan to continue abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Army’s efforts.
Winning Hearts & Minds continue to remain the core of Army’s efforts in the State. Op Sadbhavana is a success story, Army formations and units are genuinely contributing towards the overall upliftment and development of the ‘Awaam’ through this. The main focus has been towards providing education, youth & women empowerment, and community, and infrastructure development. Army in J&K have also endeavoured to support the Gujjar & Bakarwals, provide quality health & vet care and contributing towards the Nation building through educational & motivational tour. Promotion of communal harmony which is critical for the State is being addressed in a concerted manner. Towards this many Sadbhavana projects have yielded enormous dividends and are making visible impact in overall development and peace of the State.
Conclusion
Though there has been an overall improvement in security situation in the State however, this cannot be construed as return of normalcy, as Pakistan continues to abet terrorism to keep the situation volatile. The nexus intent and the terrorist infrastructure remain intact. Accordingly, there is a constant endeavour by the nexus are part of their grand strategy to continue supporting terrorism in the State with the aim to internationalize the Kashmir issue as also discredit the Govt and the SF.
The emergent external developments & the likely internal dynamics will continue to pose greater challenges. Notwithstanding the same, we are fully prepared to take on the emerging challenges / threats. The focus of Northern Army will be to consolidate the gains made and remain ahead of the nexus designs.
