Since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a dramatic decline in terror-related incidents, with a decrease of over 70%, as reported by the Union Home Ministry in a recent presentation to a parliamentary panel. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, addressing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, highlighted that despite this significant reduction, threats from groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad persist. This presentation is particularly notable given the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. The reorganisation of the region into Union territories brought law and order directly under the central government’s purview.
The Narendra Modi administration has prioritised civilian safety, with security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard lives in both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Data shared with the panel paints a promising picture: civilian fatalities from terror incidents dropped from 50 in 2019 to 14 in 2024. In 2019, there were 73 civilian attacks, a figure that has decreased to 10 so far this year. Terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, which totaled 286 in 2019, have dropped to 40 by early November 2024. This decline is further reflected in the decreased violence against security forces, with 77 personnel killed in 2019 compared to just seven this year. Additionally, infiltration attempts have plummeted from 141 in 2019 to just three so far in 2024, a testament to heightened border security.
These figures align with the Ministry’s “Vision @ 2047” plan for a safe and harmonious India. Key objectives include eliminating terrorist support and financing networks in Jammu and Kashmir and strengthening cybersecurity, border security, and criminal justice systems nationwide. The ministry is committed to taking legal action against anti-India elements, aiming for an environment of peace and prosperity.
The reduction in terror incidents also parallels improvements in other areas. Naxal violence, a longstanding issue, has seen significant progress. Casualties among civilians and security personnel dropped from 310 in 2014 to just 61 in 2022. In the Northeast, fatalities have decreased from 232 in 2014 to eight in 2022, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling insurgency-related violence.
Addressing the growing threat of narcotics, the Ministry is enhancing the Narcotics Control Bureau’s operations, expanding its presence, and implementing advanced scanning techniques at ports to intercept illegal drug consignments. The Ministry has also laid out a strategic approach to combat rising cybercrime, which includes the establishment of regional forensic labs, cybersecurity units, and state cyber commando teams. A focus on cyber hygiene training aims to fortify digital resilience across the nation.
The Union Home Ministry’s efforts highlight a holistic approach to national security, blending robust counter-terror measures with broader initiatives to create a stable, prosperous environment for all citizens. These achievements reflect the central government’s proactive stance in addressing security challenges and ensuring that safety remains a cornerstone of governance across India.