J&K Security Shift Post Pahalgam Attack

Context

A change in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir occurred with the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The assassination of 26 civilians mostly tourists revealed the vulnerability of the security in the region and necessitated a complete re-strategy of security in the region.

A Systemic Shock to Security Assumptions

• A sense of normalcy in Kashmir had been established over years due to the comparative drop in urban militancy and increase in tourism. But the Pahalgam assault broke this story.
• Unlike previously when they were not major targets, tourists were attacked on a large scale.
• Remote tourist attractions were identified to lack proper security.
• Conventional beliefs regarding militant behaviour were no longer valid.
• These loopholes underscored the fact that the level of security expansion had not kept abreast with the pace of introducing new tourist areas.

From ‘Holding Roads’ to ‘Holding Ridges’

• Deployment strategy has undergone one of the most dramatic changes:
  • Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) are security forces positions set up in elevated regions.
  • Emphasis is now put on controlling ridges and wooded areas.
• Mission: Destabilize targets and military bases.
  • Some sensitive regions within the Pir Panjal Range are now closely monitored, making it difficult to militants move in the area without detection.

Technology and the ‘Human Firewall’

• New security model combines the use of technology and local involvement:
  • Aerial surveillance of tourist routes by use of drones.
  • Introduction of facial recognition at checkpoints.
  • Development of an Aadhaar-based database of tourism employees.
• This human firewall will serve the purpose of:
  • Stop over-ground worker (OGW) network intrusion.
  • Allow instant identity checks in restricted areas.
• Though efficient, it also brings issues concerning privacy and sustainability in the long-term.

Shift to Intelligence-Led Operations

• Intel-first has become the preferred approach by security forces:
  • The aim of operations is now to destroy whole networks as opposed to responding to individual attacks.
• Scenario: Operation Mahadev of neutralising attackers.
• Larger threats were prevented by the bust of modules such as the “Doctor Module.
• This is a shift towards precision counterterrorism that has minimal collateral damage.

Persistent Challenges

• Nevertheless, there are still major weaknesses:
  • Crossing the Line of Control (LoC) persists.
  • The hard terrain and thick forests reduce the effectiveness of surveillance.
  • The weather conditions make continuous monitoring difficult.
  • The remote human intelligence networks are still very weak.
• These issues imply that the system has been modified, but it is not foolproof.

Balancing Security and Normalcy

• The authorities have a fine line to walk:
  • Achieving a high level of security without deterring tourism.
• Preservation of surveillance without over militarisation.
• This balancing act is reflected in the gradual reopening of the tourist destinations but there is still a risk.

Conclusion

• The Pahalgam attack was not just a tragic event but a strategic point of inflection. It revealed the shortcomings of a security construct that was based upon old assumptions and brought about a reorientation towards terrain dominance, technological convergence, and intelligence-led operations.
• Nevertheless, persistent issues such as infiltration and intelligence deficiencies imply that the security structure in Jammu & Kashmir will have to keep developing to efficiently respond to the emerging threats without compromising the citizens and their economic activity.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

Q. What are India’s internal security challenges? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (2023)

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