IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

18 Jul 2025 : A better terror fight with J&K police under elected government reins

 Editorial 2: A better terror fight with J&K police under elected government reins

Context

Placing the J&K Police under the control of the elected government will help create policing strategies that truly reflect the concerns and needs of the local population.

 

Introduction

On June 16, 2025, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, stated that ending terrorism in the region is the government’s top priority. Speaking at the passing out parade at the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academyin Udhampur, he urged the J&K Police (JAKP) to use modern technology to tackle security threats, stop radicalisation, and deal with challenging situations. He encouraged the force to follow a multi-pronged strategy by using intelligence, building community trust, applying technology, and ensuring inter-agency cooperation, while also relying on traditional beat policing methods

 

Crucial asset

Theme

  

Role of Local Police

The local or state police play the main role in fighting terrorism. They are the core of all counter-terrorism operations.

Support from Central Forces

Central forces, including the armed forces and central police, are there to support, but not replace, the state police.

Strength of Local Police

Local police officers belong to the area, so they know the land, people, and language better than outsiders.

Advantage of Local Intelligence

Their close connection with the people helps them gather better intelligence about terrorists hiding among locals.

Example – Pahalgam Attack

The April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack shows there was a lack of human intelligence (HUMINT). Better HUMINT may have prevented it.

Need for Reform

The government must strengthen J&K Police (JAKP) by improving its functioning and efficiency.

Democratic Oversight

JAKP should be placed under an elected government, making it more accountable and responsive to the people.

Importance of Elected Leaders

Local leaders like MLAs and sarpanches know what’s happening in their areas and must be involved in security discussions.

Community Trust

People are more comfortable sharing sensitive information with local leaders than with central agency officials.

Conclusion

Terrorism can be fought more effectively when local police are empowered, local governance is respected, and community ties are strong.

 

Restore the democratic structure

  • Jammu & Kashmir has a strong democratic tradition, with high participation in local body elections.
  • Voter turnout drops in Assembly and parliamentary elections, highlighting the strength of grassroots democracy.
  • Despite being elected, local representatives have not been empowered fully due to ongoing security concerns.
  • There is a need to restore full democratic governance, involving all levels — from panchayats and municipal bodies to MLAs and MPs.
  • The J&K Police (JAKP) plays a key role in enabling community-led governance and security efforts.
  • If local leaders are excluded from security matters, they may become indifferent, leading to reduced public engagement.
  • An uninterested local population can harm counter-terrorism efforts, as public support is crucial.
  • Policymakers must create structured dialogues between police forces and local leaders to:
    • Share information about terrorist activities
    • Respond to community concerns
    • Strengthen public safety and trust
  • Terrorism in J&K varies by region, with local and foreign elements mixing, requiring tailored local responses.
  • A one-size-fits-all strategy will not work — solutions must be context-specific.
  • The JAKP’s local units (thanas) have a long history of working closely with local bodies, achieving notable results.
  • Strengthening this local police–governance partnership is vital for both democracy and security in the region.

 

Bridging the gap

  • Currently, elected representatives are kept out of the security framework, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes.
  • To improve results, the control of J&K Police (JAKP) should be restored to the elected government.
  • This change would ensure greater accountability and responsiveness to the community's needs.
  • Policing strategies would become more aligned with local concerns and aspirations.
  • Elected leaders can help bridge the gap between the police and the public.
  • Their involvement would help build trust, promote cooperation, and support effective law enforcement.
  • A strong police–community relationship is essential for successful counter-terrorism efforts.

 

Conclusion

By holding Assembly and parliamentary elections in Jammu & Kashmir, we have recognized the people's right to choose. But these efforts will stay incomplete unless everyone is included in the process. The real issue is not just terrorism, but the need to give people a chance to be part of governance, instead of keeping it in the hands of a few elites. Mr. Sinha’s goal of involving communities will not succeed unless elected leaders are actively included and their role respected. Only then will security in the region truly improve.