Opinion | A Collaborative Approach: How the People of Jammu & Kashmir Can Help Security Forces to eliminate Terrorism.

Terrorism has been a shadow looming over Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), casting a spell of unrest and discredit over peace, development, and the lives of its people. However, security forces have taken giant strides in curbing terrorism; still, the contribution of local communities to this effort should not be underestimated. The people of J&K often are at the forefront of the war, and the insight and capability they possess might help to supplement the efforts of security forces to root out terrorism from the region. In neighborhoods, they know everybody, and thus make them unavoidable in identifying suspicious activities or unknown persons.

They can assist the authorities in thwarting potential terror plots by reporting such incidents promptly to the authorities. To obtain actionable intelligence for well-crafted operations, locals can also turn out to be the first source of information. Recent successes, wherein high profile terrorists have been neutralized in South Kashmir, have been reported to be as a result of intelligence provided by residents who realized the dangers of harboring militants. Terror groups indulge mostly in the exploitation of young minds for advancing their cause. Community resistance to radical ideologies can be ensured through fostering a culture of tolerance, education, and awareness.

Parents, teachers, and imams should play a critical role in transforming the youth against such extremist narratives. Equally important is encouraging the promotion of inclusive religious teachings and clearing mosques and madrasas of radical influences.

At the same time, tackling the socio-economic issues of the region will further reduce the attraction of such ideologies. Unemployment and lack of opportunities are extensively utilized by terror groups for recruiting vulnerable youth. People of the state can come together as a team with NGOs, the local administration, and the private sector for entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, and skill development programs. Co-operative business enterprises developed within the community can help decrease the level of economic dependency on terrorism-related illicit activities.

Thus, by retaining self-sufficiency, people can make that place where terrorism gains no foothold. The youth of every society are the future; the youth in J&K are the backbone to shape up a peaceful tomorrow.

Schools, colleges, as well as the community center, can be strong outlets for educating the youth about the consequences of terrorism and the value of peace. Awareness campaigns led by the local will make a significant difference in discouraging youth from getting attracted into violence. Along with these, digital literacy should be promoted to counter any misinformation. Terrorists and their sympathizers tend to create a lot of anger and distrust in the masses by misleading through social media. People can also prove on their ends to be working against false propaganda by actively denominating false narratives and promoting responsible usage of social media. Often, the government and security forces do run deradicalization and rehabilitation programs for those influencers of terrorism who wish to return to the mainstream. Communities can play such a great part in embracing and integrating them back into society by offering education, employment, and life in a dignified way. This spirit of inclusion not only helps individuals to rehabilitate but this very sweep broadens the unification and hoping spirit in the community.
Therefore, most importantly, an active involvement in the fight against terrorism would require a mutual trust between the security forces and the local population. Multiple steps have been taken over the years to bridge the gap. In this regard, initiatives like Awami Darbars and civic action programs are designed to provide opportunities and ground for exchange between locals and security forces. Such programs basically involve building over grievances. They also reached out to the youth through sports tournaments, vocational training programs, and cultural events and connected with them and engaged them in positive activities.

Moreover, the counter-terrorism operations should be executed with minimal damage to civilians. This would make them more trustworthy and easier for people to support the operations of security forces. There have been many examples of successful cooperation between locals and security forces in J&K. Many militants have surrendered in the last few years, not through slick propaganda but due to the persuasive power of their families, local influence, and the police. It shows how dialogue and a community-driven effort can work to deradicalize. The people in some villages have also banded together to form village defense committees that assist the security forces in maintaining law and order in all corner parts of the Valley. The police units of the Valley have started community policing with sensitization programs that encourage the locals to raise their own concerns and join forces toward the common good. Thus, despite all the progress, much more must be done to totally eliminate terrorism from J&K. Grassroot grassroots leadership empowerment will give the village heads and community leaders a position as intermediaries between the locals and the security forces. Anonymity in tip lines or apps will always provide information on suspicious activities, and no one risks their future. Women will also be key in ascertaining early signs of radicalization within families and communities. Training and involving them can augment the effort in fighting terrorism. Revival and promotion of the rich cultural ethos of Kashmir can very well counter the narrative of destruction and alienation by terror groups. And the battle against terrorism in J&K cannot be that of the security forces alone, but a people’s battle that necessitates the active engagement of its citizens. By building trust among the people, a strong message of abhorrence for extremism, and positioning on the side of development work, the people of J&K can be participants in an activity for change who will rebuild the region into a peaceful place. Citizens of J&K will walk toward a free future from the bondage of terrorism with security forces. The resilience and unity of the people will build these steps toward lasting peace.
vaizzargar@rediffmail.com