The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reported a substantial decrease in terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting a positive trend in the region. According to the MHA, the number of terror incidents has plummeted from 228 in 2018 to a mere 44 in 2023.
Data presented by the Centre, covering developments until December 15, 2023, reveals an impressive 80.7 per cent decline in terrorist activities over the past five years. Notably, the abrogation of Article 370, a landmark legislative move by the Modi government on August 5, 2019, has been a significant factor in this shift.
In 2018, the region experienced 52 hartals and 1221 instances of stone-pelting. However, in 2023, there were no reported incidents of organised hartals or stone-pelting.
Key Trends and Improvements
Encounters and Martyrdom: The number of civilian deaths dropped from 55 to 13 during this period. Indian armed forces’ personnel martyrdom decreased from 91 in 2018 to 26 in 2023. Additionally, terrorist encounters reduced from 189 to 48.
Terrorist Neutralisation: Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain reported the neutralisation of 76 terrorists in 2023, with 55 of them being foreigners.
Law Enforcement Actions: Local police booked 201 terrorists and arrested 291 individuals during the mentioned period. There has been a significant decline in terrorist recruitment.
Peace Facilitates Tourism and Pilgrimage
The relative peace in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has resulted in a remarkable increase in tourism and pilgrimage activities. In 2023, approximately 1.9 crore tourists visited the region, and the Amarnath Yatra witnessed the highest footfall in the past 10 years, with 4.4 lakh Hindu devotees participating.
Article 370 Abrogation
The abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, has played a pivotal role in the positive transformations in the region. Following the abrogation, two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislative body) and Ladakh (without a legislative body), were created. The Supreme Court of India upheld the Centre’s decision on December 11, 2023, further solidifying the changes in the region.
