24-May-2025 Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Critically examine India’s counter-terrorism approach in Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor. What are the strategic limitations of kinetic force and how can India achieve sustainable counter-terror outcomes?
(GS Paper 3, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Answer:
The April 2025 Pahalgam terror strike and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor have reignited national discourse on counter-terror strategy. While the operation demonstrated India’s tactical readiness and aerial precision, it also exposed enduring challenges in ensuring long-term strategic deterrence.
Strengths of Current Approach:
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Operation Sindoor reflects India’s evolving doctrine of pre-emptive strike and non-contact warfare.
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It signaled a shift from reactive posturing to assertive deterrence, using precision intelligence and coordinated airstrikes.
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Strengthened India’s global positioning through international lawfare and FATF diplomacy against Pakistan.
Strategic Limitations:
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Kinetic success doesn’t neutralize ideological radicalization. As the editorial notes, fatalities have historically risen post-strike (e.g., 267 in 2016).
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Military operations fail to address underlying socio-political factors such as alienation, marginalization, and identity insecurity in Kashmir.
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Externalizing terror overlooks internal radical networks, local support bases, and weak human intelligence (HUMINT).
Recommendations for Sustainable Counter-Terrorism:
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Enhance grassroots intelligence and surveillance through community participation.
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Prioritize political outreach, PESA-based governance, and youth de-radicalization programs.
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Institutionalize an integrated strategy combining military, diplomatic, developmental, and ideological responses.
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Strengthen judicial processes for quick prosecution, while avoiding civilian collateral damage.
Conclusion:
India’s fight against terrorism in J&K must go beyond episodic retaliation. Only a cohesive strategy that balances kinetic force with inclusive governance and socio-political integration can dismantle the long-standing terror ecosystem and foster enduring peace.
Read More – 23 May 2025 : Daily Answer Writing
