JK News Today Commentary
Jammu, December 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s passionate plea to safeguard the improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the last six years – the benchmark being August 2019 when the momentous decision to do away with the Article 370 and 35 A were taken – makes a lot of sense. This speaks of the peace dividends that the Union Territory accrued since then. This also emphasises making of efforts to neutralize the looming threat of terrorism . The terrorist-violence is hanging on the margins , and it cannot be ignored.
Manoj Sinhala made this plea at a Union Territory level security review conference titled : Viksit Bharat , Security Dimensions” held in Jammu on Thursday – December 18, 2025 – to lay out a roadmap for elimination of all elements of terrorism, and served a severe warning to the terrorists hiding in forests, mountains and rugged terrain . The message was that terrorists were not out of reach of security forces, and they would be seeing their end sooner than later .
This sets a target for the security forces to preserve and advance the peace dividends of the time frame which has different kind of vibrancy which presented a stark contrast to the troubles of the past nearly 30 years .These six years were like a refreshing experiencing for Jammu and Kashmir which was pitted against several internal and external adversaries . The norm of violence was replaced by normalcy . That it helped Kashmir to find its feet again and live its life on its own terms.
Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025 was one of the biggest assaults on the normalcy and peace. The consequences of that attack continue to be felt till date the terror attack led to retaliation against the terror assets of Pakistan and escalation of which led to a mini-but high-intensity war between two nuclear-powered nations, which de-escalated only after Pakistan beseeched for ceasefire.
In normal circumstances after suffering such a humiliating defeat and loss of face at the global level,, Pakistan should have learnt its lessons and given up its terror plans on J&K,. This should have also been a warning for the terrorists in J&K and the ecosystem supporting them. But it seems that despite lessons, Pakistan and its terror networks continue to indulge in plotting subversive activities.
Peace in Jammu and Kashmir is crucial for stability of the entire region. After Pahalgam attack, India and Pakistan went in for a major conflict in decades. Any major terror attack can bring back that situation yet again. Jammu and Kashmir suffered hugely in 2025 because of the loss of business and other activities. The pace of the ongoing projects was slowed as the construction workers fled following the suit of tourists. An atmosphere of fear returned.
Saving and safeguarding the peace-time and space of pre-Pahalgam attack era is the most important component for J&K to revive its designation as peaceful tourist destination in the country .That is deeply connected with the confidence of the people in them. Tourists and investors are the best assets to rebuild their self-confidence. Until the terrorists are present in one form or the other, such a confidence will elude. That is what LG and the security agencies want to stop.
One of the most critical aspects which should be taken into account is not coming forth as it should have been .The public participation in promoting narrative and situation of peace is not there. The people’s voices are not heard as loud as these should have been. It is perhaps because the imperatives of security mostly remain confined to the discussions and strategic sessions with the security forces, police and intelligence agencies. That is important, but is also is necessary to involve the civil society in building and echoing the need for terror-free atmosphere. There have been exhortations to invoke the civil society in this narrative and work, but substantial steps are not visible.
LG has given a clue and it is for the others to work, J&K’s stability and security is the most important aspect of the national security in its internal and external dimensions.
