The recent killing of a police Head Constable in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag and few days after that brute incident, of the killing of a migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh who had come from his home state to Kashmir for earning an honest living for supporting his family back in his state much away from Kashmir has exposed the fake and false claims of the Modi Government and UT government of J &K that terrorism has almost ended. These two gruesome attacks first on a policeman and then after a few days at Kulgam district and exactly brick kiln in village Kalim is an eye -openers for the government. The migrant labourers are our honoured gusts and it is highly condemnable and religiously a sin that they are being killed by the enemies of nation for no fault of theirs but only for eking a meagre livelihood to feed their family members. These, labourers deserve respect and dignity not bullets. These, dastardly killings are a stain and blot on Kashmiriyat and are against morality and religion. These, recent attacks have shocked the people of this region and the country at large. This, savage and brutal incident has again reminded the nation that terrorism in the Union Territory has not been fully eradicated. The gruesome incidents comes after about one year and four months since Pahalgam attack,a period during which security forces had succeeded in significantly reducing militant violence through sustained operations ,better intelligence coordination ,and increased public cooperation. While overall security situation has improved considerably compared to the dark decades of the 1990’s  and early 2000’s ,the latest attack is a sobering reminder that residual militancy still exists  and continues to pose a threat. A single successful attack is enough to create fear, embolden sleeper cells, and provide propaganda material to handlers operating from across the border.

Why the attack is significant? ---The killing of a policeman after a big   lull is not merely an isolated criminal act. Policemen are the frontline defenders of peace and law and order in Jammu &Kashmir. They live among the people gather local intelligence and are often the first responders in anti-terror operations. Terrorists frequently target police personnel because they represent the authority of the Indian state the grassroots level.

Such attacks are designed to achieve multiple objectives---1]—Spread fear among security personnel and civilians,2]---Create the impression that militancy is still active,3]---Test the preparedness of security forces / agencies ,4]---Revive dormant networks and overground workers,5]---Gain publicity and attract potential recruits. Therefore, the incident must be viewed in a broader security context rather than as a routine law -and -order problem. 

The Danger of complacency---One of the biggest challenges after a prolonged period of peace is complacency. When, violence declines, there is often a natural tendency to believe that the threat has disappeared. This, can lead to reduced vigilance, predictable movement patterns, and gaps in intelligence collection. History, shows that terrorism often survives in the form of---Small armed groups hiding in forests or remote areas. Sleeper cells in urban centres. Overground worker networks providing logistics  and shelter, Radicalized individuals  acting independently .Cross -border handlers using encrypted communication .Even if the number of active terrorists is small, their ability to carry out selective attacks remains dangerous. Security forces must therefore maintain the same level of alertness that helped them bring violence down in the first place.

Residual militancy –The unfinished task

Over the last few years, security forces have eliminated a large number of top militant commanders and disrupted several terror modules. Recruitment has also declined in many areas, and public participation in anti-terror efforts has increased.However, residual militancy remains the unfinished task. These remaining militants often avoid direct encounters and focus on—Targeted Killings, Attacks on policemen and ex-servicemen, Grenade attacks, Weapon snatching and propaganda through social media. Because these groups operate in smaller numbers ,they are harder to detect. They rely heavily on local support networks, temporary hideouts, and rapid movement between districts.

What security forces need to do? ---

1]---Strengthen intelligence gathering----Human intelligence remains the most effective weapon against terrorism. Local police, village defence groups, and community sources must be integrated into a robust intelligence grid. Any, suspicious movement, sudden appearance of strangers, or unusual communication patterns should be investigated promptly.

2]-----Intensify area domination----Security forces should increase patrols, surprise checks, and search operations in vulnerable areas. Forest bets, mountain passes/ routes and known infiltration corridors require continued surveillance through drones, thermal imaging devices, and ground patrols.

3]----Protect police personnel----Policemen should avoid predictable routines and be provided with adequate protective gear. Their residences and movement routes need periodic security audits. Targeted attacks on policemen can be reduced through better escort arrangements and intelligence -based movement planning.

4---Crack down on support networks----No militant can survive without logistics. Those providing shelter, food, transport, finances, or communication support must face strict legal action. Simultaneously, innocent civilians should not be harassed as public trust is essential for long -term success.

Role of the people----The people of Jammu & Kashmir have suffered immensely due to decades of terrorism. Thousands of civilians, policemen, and security personnel have lost their lives.  Development tourism, education, and employment have all been affected.

The recent years of relative peace brought visible benefits, such as----Record tourist arrivals. Improved infrastructure, New, investment opportunities, Better, educational prospects and increased economic activity.   The public must recognise that terrorists seek to disrupt this much valued which has been there after decades of hard work by our security forces. Community vigilance, timely sharing of information, and rejection of extremist narrative are crucial. Peace cannot be maintained by security forces alone,it requires active cooperation from society.

Cross -boarder dimension ---India has consistently maintained that terrorism in J &K is sustained by infrastructure across the border. Even, when local recruitment declines, infiltration attempts and remote radicalization efforts continue. Security forces must remain prepared for attempts to push trained militants into the valley during favourable weather conditions. Enhanced border fencing, electronic surveillance, anti-drone systems, and coordinated operations between the Army, BSF, CRPF, and above all J&K Police are essential to prevent infiltration.

A tribute and a resolve----The slain policeman deserves the highest respect for his sacrifice, in the line of duty. His, death should strengthen not weaken, the resolve of the security forces and establishment. Every such attack must be investigated swiftly, the perpetrators identified, and the entire network, supporting them dismantled. It is so good and apt that LG Monj Sinha has paid visit to the residence of the martyred police head constable and showed sympathy with the bereaved family members, and assured all possible help to the family in distress.HM Amit Shah has also telephoned son of Zargar and expressed condolence and sympathy with his family.

The recent resurgence of terrorist attack is a warning that this scourge has not disappeared from J &k,it is attempting to raise its ugly head again. The substantial gains achieved over the past few years, must not be allowed to erode. Security forces cannot afford complacency after a period of relative calm. The objective should now be clear—identify and eliminate residual militant  networks ,destroy  their support infrastructure ,prevent infiltration, and ensure  peace and development  continues uninterrupted. A vigilant security apparatus ,supported by an alert  and cooperative public ,can  ensure that the hard-earned normalcy  in J &K is protected  and the shadows of terrorism  never return  to dominate  the region again. In short the sacrifice of the martyred head constable who was guarding Yatra and of all other security forces who have lost their life due to terrorism should not allowed to go waste but reinforce our resolve to fight the residual terrorism tooth and nail and save the hard earned normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. Long live peace ,long live India.

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