Reasi & the Years-Old Issue of Cross-Border Terror – UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis – 01st July 2024 – Edukemy

Reasi, a picturesque district in Jammu and Kashmir, has long been grappling with the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism. This region, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, finds itself at the forefront of a decades-old conflict. The issue of cross-border terror has brought significant challenges to the lives of the people in Reasi, disrupting their daily lives and stunting development. Despite efforts by the government and security forces to curb these threats, the region continues to face sporadic attacks and infiltration attempts from across the border. The enduring struggle against terrorism has deeply affected the community, yet the resilience and determination of the people of Reasi remain unwavering.

Tags: GS-3, Internal Security-Cross-Border Terror, GS- 2,IR- India relation with neighbour countries. 

Context

• The Reasi terrorist attack on June 9, coinciding with Prime Minister Modi’s third-term oath-taking ceremony, brings back memories of a similar attack on the Consulate General of India in Herat, Afghanistan, on May 23, 2014. 
• Both incidents aimed to disrupt significant political events, revealing the ongoing and pervasive threat of terrorism that India faces, particularly from groups based in Pakistan. 

Historical Context of Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism in India:

• The Origins of Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
  • The roots of terrorism in J&K can be traced back to the partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan.
  • The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with its strategic location and diverse demographic composition, became a contentious issue between the two newly formed nations.
  • The first Indo-Pak war in 1947-48 resulted in the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC), leaving J&K divided between India and Pakistan.
• The Afghan Jihad and Its Impact
  • The success of the Afghan Jihad in the 1980s, where Afghan mujahideen, supported by the United States and Pakistan, successfully resisted the Soviet invasion, had significant repercussions for India.
  • Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies, emboldened by this success, believed that similar tactics could be employed to challenge Indian control in J&K.
• This led to the inception of a proxy war strategy, wherein Pakistan began supporting and training Islamist militants to infiltrate J&K and carry out terrorist activities.
• The Insurgency of the Late 1980s and 1990s
  • The insurgency in J&K gained momentum in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
  • This period saw a significant rise in violence, with separatist groups like the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and later, Islamist militant organisations like Hizbul Mujahideen, receiving substantial support from Pakistan.
  • The Pakistani military and intelligence agencies provided training, arms, and logistical support to these groups, facilitating cross-border infiltration.
  • During this time, the region witnessed mass uprisings, targeted killings, and ethnic cleansing, particularly against the Kashmiri Pandit community, which led to their mass exodus from the valley.
  • The Indian state’s initial response was marred by a lack of preparedness and coordination, resulting in significant casualties among civilians and security forces.
• Continued Terrorist Threats and Pakistan’s Role
  • The Pakistan Army and its political leadership, committed to the Kashmir cause, continued to sponsor and support terrorist activities in the region.
  • High-profile attacks, such as the 1999 Kargil intrusion and the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, underscored the persistent and evolving nature of the threat.
  • The Kargil conflict, in particular, highlighted the extent to which Pakistan was willing to escalate tensions. Regular Pakistani troops, disguised as militants, infiltrated Indian positions in Kargil, leading to a full-scale conflict.
  • India’s decisive military response, reclaiming the occupied territories, demonstrated its resolve to protect its sovereignty.

India’s Counter-Terrorism and Political Strategies

• Early Responses and Challenges
  • In the late 1980s and early 1990s, India was ill-prepared to handle the sudden surge in terrorist activities in J&K.
  • The initial response was largely reactive, with conventional police forces and under-prepared military units bearing the brunt of the attacks.
  • The complexity of the insurgency, characterised by guerrilla warfare, hit-and-run tactics, and widespread local support for militants, posed severe challenges.
  • During this period, India faced significant casualties among civilians and security forces, and there were instances of human rights violations, which further complicated the situation.
• Development of Counter-Insurgency Strategies
  • By the early 1990s, India began to develop more sophisticated counter-insurgency strategies.
  • This included the creation of specialised units like the Rashtriya Rifles and the strengthening of paramilitary forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF).
  • These forces received specialised training in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence gathering, and urban warfare.
  • The Indian Army also played a crucial role in these efforts, conducting operations to flush out militants from their strongholds and secure key regions.
  • The establishment of the Unified Headquarters in Srinagar helped coordinate efforts between the Army, paramilitary forces, and the J&K police, leading to more effective operations.
• Intelligence and Surveillance Enhancements
  • Improving intelligence capabilities became a priority for India and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) were tasked with gathering actionable intelligence on militant activities, both domestically and internationally.
  • Enhanced surveillance technologies, including the use of drones, satellite imagery, and electronic surveillance, were deployed to monitor infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) and track militant movements within J&K.
• Socio-Political Engagement and Development Initiatives
  • Recognising that a purely military approach would not suffice, the Indian government also focused on political engagement and socio-economic development in J&K.
  • The decision to hold Assembly elections in 1996 marked the beginning of efforts to restore democratic governance and political normalcy in the region.
  • These elections were a significant step towards involving local populations in the political process and reducing the appeal of militant ideologies.
• Pakistan’s Commitment to the ‘Terror Cause’:
  • The Pakistan Army and political leaders: The Pakistan Army and political leaders like Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto supported J&K separatism through terror.
  • Bhutto’s stance in 1994: Benazir Bhutto refused to engage in talks with India in 1994 unless India addressed J&K on Pakistan’s terms, leading to no dialogue during her tenure.
  • Sharif’s 1997 initiative: Nawaz Sharif, during his second term as Prime Minister in 1997, sought a structured dialogue with India focusing on humanitarian issues and conflict resolution, with J&K as a priority.

The Change in India’s Stance on Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism:

• Shift Towards Military Pre-emption
  • India’s departure from diplomatic restraint occurred after the 2019 Pulwama attack, leading to the Balakot airstrike and the doctrine of pre-emption.
  • Earlier, limited force was used in surgical strikes post-Uri attack in 2016. These actions marked a shift towards pre-emptive strikes against imminent terrorist threats.
  • However, defining what constitutes an “unacceptable” attack remains ambiguous.
• Pak-Sponsored Terror and India’s Diplomatic Efforts:
  • India too has given material linking Pakistani terrorist groups to terrorist incidents but Pakistan has not taken action against them.
  • After the 2001 Parliament attack, the A.B. Vajpayee government mobilised the armed forces but refrained from war due to assurances from Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf.
  • After the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, Dr. Manmohan Singh opted for global diplomatic support rather than military action.
  • This was clear after the Mumbai terrorist attack. After the Pathankot airbase attack in January 2016, India allowed a Pakistani team which included an Inter-Services Intelligence officer to visit the airbase. After the Pulwama attack in 2019, India launched the Balakot aerial strike and announced a doctrine of pre-emption. However, Pakistan again did not take the investigation forward.
• International Recognition and Diplomatic Efforts:
  • Major powers’ recognition: Major powers recognize Pakistan’s use of terrorism against its neighbours.
  • Plausible deniability: Despite plausible deniability, Pakistan’s actions are increasingly unsustainable.
  • Evidence linking attacks to Pakistani groups: India has provided evidence linking Pakistani terrorist groups to various attacks, but Pakistan has failed to act.
  • Post-Reasi attack emphasis: After the Reasi attack, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised the need to address cross-border terrorism and its escalation risks between nuclear-armed countries.
  • Despite these cases, it is important to pursue the practice of sharing information and evidence in terrorist cases to ensure the credibility of Indian assertions with the international community.

Conclusion:

Hence, the persistent threat of terrorism from Pakistan requires India to balance military responses and diplomatic efforts. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s ambition to address cross-border terrorism highlights the need for global recognition of the terror threat as a precursor to escalatory conflicts between nuclear-armed nations. India’s strategy must continue to evolve, combining force with diplomacy to mitigate terrorism and promote regional stability.

Source: TH

FAQs

Q: What is Reasi and why is it important?

• Answer: Reasi is a district in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is important because it has been affected by cross-border terrorism due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), which separates India and Pakistan. This area has seen several incidents of infiltration and attacks by terrorists coming from across the border.

Q: What is cross-border terrorism?

• Answer: Cross-border terrorism refers to terrorist activities that are planned, supported, or carried out across national borders. In the context of Reasi, it means terrorists crossing the border from Pakistan into India to carry out attacks and create instability. This has been a long-standing issue affecting the security and peace in the region.

Q: How does cross-border terrorism impact the people of Reasi?

• Answer: Cross-border terrorism impacts the people of Reasi in several ways. It creates fear and insecurity among the local population, disrupts daily life, and can lead to loss of lives and property. The constant threat of terrorist attacks also hampers economic development and affects tourism, which is an important source of income for the region.

Q: What measures have been taken to address cross-border terrorism in Reasi?

• Answer: The government and security forces have taken several measures to address cross-border terrorism in Reasi. These include increasing border security, conducting counter-terrorism operations, improving intelligence gathering, and building infrastructure like border fencing and surveillance systems. Additionally, efforts are made to engage and support the local communities to strengthen their resilience against terrorism.

Q: Why has cross-border terrorism been a persistent issue in Reasi for so many years?

• Answer: Cross-border terrorism has been a persistent issue in Reasi for many years due to several factors. These include the complex political situation between India and Pakistan, the rugged and challenging terrain that makes it easier for terrorists to infiltrate, and ongoing support for terrorist groups from across the border. Despite various measures, completely eliminating the threat remains challenging due to these underlying issues.

To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604

1. Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC  Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
2. Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
3. Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
4. For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here

Visit our YouTube Channel – Here