NSA Ajit Doval: India Secure from Terror Except Jammu & Kashmir
In a decisive statement, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval asserted that India has successfully contained terrorism across the nation, with Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) being the sole exception. Addressing a security review meeting in New Delhi, Doval declared, “Facts are facts. Data confirms terrorism is under control in India, except in J&K.” His remarks come amid intensified counter-terror operations in Kashmir and rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).
Data Backs Doval’s Claim: Decline in Terror Attacks
Government reports highlight a sharp drop in terror incidents outside J&K over the past decade. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notes that states like Punjab, Assam, and Maharashtra—once plagued by insurgency—have seen minimal attacks. The last major urban terror strike was the 2008 Mumbai attacks, though J&K-based threats like the 2019 Pulwama attack persist.
Doval acknowledged that while counter-terror efforts have succeeded elsewhere, J&K remains a “work in progress,” citing Pakistan-backed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) as key challenges.
Why Jammu & Kashmir Remains a Terror Hotspot
Security experts attribute J&K’s instability to:
– Pakistan’s Role: Alleged cross-border support for militants.
– Local Radicalization: Increased recruitment post-2019 (after Article 370’s revocation).
– Hybrid Threats: Drones for arms smuggling and online radicalization.
Doval outlined a dual strategy: “Hard power to eliminate threats and soft power to rebuild trust.” Initiatives include infrastructure projects and job creation to counter extremist narratives.
Political Reactions: Support and Skepticism
The BJP praised Doval’s remarks as proof of PM Modi’s strong security policies. Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, “J&K will soon see peace under our zero-tolerance approach.”
Opposition leaders, however, questioned the claim. Congress’s Rahul Gandhi countered, “If India is safe, why are soldiers still dying in Kashmir?” Others pointed to unrest in Manipur and Bengal as unresolved internal threats.
Public Response: Relief Amid Concerns
While many Indians welcome improved security, skepticism lingers. A retired IPS officer noted, “Sleeper cells and lone-wolf attacks remain risks.” Families of J&K-deployed troops urged faster resolutions.
Future Security Plans: Tech and Policy Shifts
Doval hinted at expanded tech-driven surveillance in J&K and better cross-border coordination. The MHA may also reassess AFSPA in the Northeast as insurgency declines.
Conclusion
Doval’s statement highlights India’s counter-terror successes but underscores J&K’s unresolved crisis. With the 2024 elections nearing, national security will stay central to BJP’s agenda—and Kashmir remains the ultimate test.
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