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The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic loss of 25 tourists and a local resident, has ignited a significant security response in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has not only sparked widespread outrage and grief but has also prompted authorities to launch an intensified crackdown on individuals deemed to be a threat to peace and stability in the region. This crackdown, as reported by Greater Kashmir, involves the detention of Over Ground Workers (OGWs), the booking of individuals under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), and the implementation of enhanced surveillance measures. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the sheer scale of the security operation, with approximately 90 individuals being booked under the PSA and a staggering 2,800 suspected OGWs being rounded up for questioning and preventive detention. This decisive action reflects the government's determination to quell any potential resurgence of terror activities and to reassure both locals and tourists about their safety. The Public Safety Act, a controversial law that allows for detention without charge or trial for extended periods, is being utilized to target individuals believed to be posing a threat to public order. While proponents argue that the PSA is a necessary tool for maintaining security in a volatile region, critics contend that it is often misused and violates fundamental human rights. The detention of 2,800 suspected OGWs also raises concerns about due process and the potential for innocent individuals to be caught up in the security dragnet. OGWs, typically referring to individuals who provide logistical support or intelligence to militant groups, are considered a crucial link in the terror network. Identifying and neutralizing these individuals is seen as essential to disrupting terror activities. However, the challenge lies in accurately identifying OGWs without infringing on the rights of ordinary citizens. The police action is not limited to detentions and bookings under the PSA. Multiple raids have been conducted on the residences of suspected terrorists and their associates across Kashmir. These raids, often carried out jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Army, are aimed at seizing weapons, explosives, and other materials that could be used in terror attacks. Surveillance has also been significantly strengthened, particularly in sensitive areas and suspected terrorist corridors. The use of drones, night-vision surveillance, and human intelligence inputs has been increased to keep track of suspects and to detect any potential threats. Frequent cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) are being conducted in various pockets of Kashmir, and checkpoints have been erected at key intersections to monitor movement and communication between suspects. Mobile phone surveillance is also being utilized as a tool for tracking potential terrorists. The authorities have emphasized that every element that poses a threat to peace and public safety will be dealt with sternly, and that there will be no compromise on security. At the same time, they have appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Public cooperation is seen as crucial in defeating the nefarious designs of terrorists and their supporters. The Pahalgam attack has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Kashmir, which has been showing signs of revival in recent months. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of tourists and could deter potential visitors from traveling to the region. Security experts believe that targeting tourists is a deliberate tactic aimed at disrupting the tourism revival and undermining the economy of Kashmir. The government is taking measures to reassure tourists about their safety and to promote tourism in the region. These measures include increasing security at tourist destinations, providing escorts for tourist vehicles, and launching public awareness campaigns to highlight the beauty and safety of Kashmir.
The intensified security measures implemented in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack reflect a multifaceted strategy aimed at curbing terrorism and maintaining peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. The booking of individuals under the Public Safety Act (PSA) is a significant component of this strategy, enabling authorities to detain individuals deemed to pose a threat to public order for extended periods without formal charges or trials. While the PSA has been a subject of considerable controversy due to concerns about human rights violations, proponents argue that it is a necessary tool for maintaining security in a region grappling with persistent militancy. The mass detention of suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) represents another crucial aspect of the counter-terrorism strategy. OGWs, who provide logistical support, intelligence, and other forms of assistance to militant groups, play a vital role in sustaining terrorist activities. By identifying and neutralizing these individuals, security forces aim to disrupt the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations and prevent future attacks. However, the large-scale nature of these detentions raises concerns about potential abuses and the need for due process to ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongly targeted. The conduct of raids on suspected terrorist hideouts and residences, often involving joint operations by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Army, is aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and seizing weapons, explosives, and other materials that could be used in attacks. These raids are typically based on intelligence inputs and are carried out with the objective of apprehending terrorists and preventing them from carrying out their activities. However, the raids can also be disruptive to the lives of ordinary citizens and raise concerns about privacy and the potential for collateral damage. The strengthening of surveillance mechanisms, including the increased use of drones, night-vision surveillance, and human intelligence inputs, is another key element of the security strategy. Surveillance technologies enable security forces to monitor the movement of suspects, track their communications, and gather intelligence on potential threats. However, the use of surveillance technologies also raises concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse. The conduct of frequent cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) in various pockets of Kashmir is a tactic employed to disrupt terrorist activities and apprehend suspects. CASOs involve the cordoning off of an area by security forces, followed by a house-to-house search for terrorists, weapons, and other contraband. While CASOs can be effective in disrupting terrorist activities, they can also be disruptive to the lives of ordinary citizens and raise concerns about human rights violations. The erection of checkpoints at key intersections and the use of mobile phone surveillance are additional measures aimed at monitoring movement and communication between suspects. These measures are intended to deter terrorist activities and to enable security forces to respond quickly to any potential threats. However, they can also be intrusive and raise concerns about privacy. The authorities have emphasized that every element that poses a threat to peace and public safety will be dealt with sternly, and that there will be no compromise on security. This reflects a determination to maintain law and order and to prevent any further terrorist attacks. At the same time, the authorities have appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Public cooperation is seen as crucial in defeating the nefarious designs of terrorists and their supporters. The Pahalgam attack has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Kashmir, which has been showing signs of revival in recent months. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of tourists and could deter potential visitors from traveling to the region. Security experts believe that targeting tourists is a deliberate tactic aimed at disrupting the tourism revival and undermining the economy of Kashmir. The government is taking measures to reassure tourists about their safety and to promote tourism in the region. These measures include increasing security at tourist destinations, providing escorts for tourist vehicles, and launching public awareness campaigns to highlight the beauty and safety of Kashmir.
The long-term effectiveness of the intensified security measures implemented in Jammu and Kashmir will depend on several factors. One key factor is the ability of security forces to accurately identify and target individuals who are genuinely involved in terrorist activities, while minimizing the risk of harming innocent civilians. This requires a sophisticated intelligence apparatus, effective coordination between different security agencies, and adherence to strict protocols to ensure that human rights are respected. Another important factor is the ability of the government to address the underlying grievances and socio-economic factors that contribute to militancy. This includes providing opportunities for education and employment, promoting good governance, and addressing issues of social injustice. Unless these root causes of militancy are addressed, it is unlikely that security measures alone will be sufficient to achieve lasting peace and stability. The role of public cooperation is also crucial. Security forces need the support and trust of the local population in order to effectively combat terrorism. This requires building positive relationships with communities, providing timely and accurate information, and ensuring that security operations are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner. The government also needs to work to counter the propaganda and recruitment efforts of terrorist groups. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the promotion of positive narratives about peace and reconciliation. Regional and international cooperation is also important. Terrorism is a transnational threat, and effective counter-terrorism efforts require collaboration between countries. This includes sharing intelligence, coordinating law enforcement activities, and working together to address the root causes of terrorism. The Pahalgam attack has highlighted the vulnerability of tourists to terrorist attacks in Kashmir. The government needs to take steps to enhance the security of tourist destinations and to provide better protection for visitors. This includes increasing security patrols, installing CCTV cameras, and providing escorts for tourist vehicles. The government also needs to work to reassure tourists about their safety and to promote tourism in the region. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, the provision of accurate information, and the promotion of positive experiences for tourists. The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains complex and challenging. While the intensified security measures implemented in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack are intended to curb terrorism and maintain peace and stability, their long-term effectiveness will depend on a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of militancy, promotes public cooperation, and ensures that human rights are respected. The government needs to work closely with all stakeholders, including security forces, civil society organizations, and local communities, to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the region.
The recent surge in militant activity targeting civilians, particularly tourists, underscores the evolving nature of the security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pahalgam attack, a brazen assault that resulted in the tragic loss of life, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups seeking to disrupt peace and stability in the region. The choice of targeting tourists appears to be a deliberate tactic aimed at undermining the tourism industry, a vital source of revenue and employment for the local population. By instilling fear and deterring potential visitors, terrorist groups hope to cripple the economy and sow discord among communities. The government's response to the Pahalgam attack has been swift and decisive, with the launch of an intensified security crackdown targeting individuals and organizations believed to be involved in terrorist activities. The booking of individuals under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the mass detention of suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) reflect a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. However, these measures have also raised concerns about human rights and the potential for abuse. It is crucial that security forces operate within the bounds of the law and ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongly targeted. The strengthening of surveillance mechanisms and the conduct of frequent cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) are aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and preventing future attacks. However, these measures can also be disruptive to the lives of ordinary citizens and raise concerns about privacy. It is important that security forces balance the need to maintain security with the need to protect the rights and freedoms of the local population. The government's efforts to counter terrorism must also be accompanied by efforts to address the underlying causes of militancy. This includes providing opportunities for education and employment, promoting good governance, and addressing issues of social injustice. Unless these root causes are addressed, it is unlikely that security measures alone will be sufficient to achieve lasting peace and stability. The role of public cooperation is also crucial. Security forces need the support and trust of the local population in order to effectively combat terrorism. This requires building positive relationships with communities, providing timely and accurate information, and ensuring that security operations are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner. The government also needs to work to counter the propaganda and recruitment efforts of terrorist groups. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the promotion of positive narratives about peace and reconciliation. Regional and international cooperation is also important. Terrorism is a transnational threat, and effective counter-terrorism efforts require collaboration between countries. This includes sharing intelligence, coordinating law enforcement activities, and working together to address the root causes of terrorism. The Pahalgam attack has highlighted the vulnerability of tourists to terrorist attacks in Kashmir. The government needs to take steps to enhance the security of tourist destinations and to provide better protection for visitors. This includes increasing security patrols, installing CCTV cameras, and providing escorts for tourist vehicles. The government also needs to work to reassure tourists about their safety and to promote tourism in the region. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, the provision of accurate information, and the promotion of positive experiences for tourists. The challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that combines security measures with efforts to promote economic development, social justice, and good governance. It also requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including security forces, civil society organizations, and local communities.
Source: Pahalgam attack fallout: 90 booked under PSA, 2800 detained