Terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is not just a law-and-order issue but a complex socio-political conflict, requiring both hard and soft approaches. Winning the "hearts and minds" (WHAM) of the local population is critical to reducing alienation, countering radicalisation, and promoting long-term peace.

Why Winning ‘Hearts and Minds’ is Necessary in Terrorism-Affected Areas

1. Reduces Alienation and Prevents Radicalisation

   • Terror groups often thrive on perceived alienation of local populations. A sense of political or social exclusion can make youth vulnerable to radical ideologies.

   • Example: Many youth in Kashmir were drawn towards militancy post-2016 Burhan Wani incident due to anger and lack of engagement by the state.

2. Builds Trust in State Institutions

   • People are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement and administration when they feel heard, protected, and included.

   • Example: Panchayat elections (2018) in J&K saw significant voter turnout in several areas, indicating growing faith in democratic processes.

3. Encourages Community Policing and Intelligence Flow

   • Local support is crucial for counter-insurgency operations to succeed. Civilians often provide critical information to security forces when they feel secure.

   • Example: In areas where the Army has carried out Operation Sadbhavana, locals have actively warned security forces about militant movement.

4. Counters Terror Propaganda and External Influence

   • Militant groups and hostile actors (like Pakistan-based handlers) often exploit emotional grievances to justify violence. Genuine community engagement neutralizes these narratives.

   • Example: De-radicalisation counselling centres and rehabilitation schemes have helped prevent return to militancy in youth who earlier crossed LOC.

5. Economic Empowerment Prevents Recruitment

   • Where youth have jobs, education, and purpose, they are less likely to be swayed by extremist ideologies.

   • Example: Programs like Udaan and Mission Youth have provided alternative life paths to thousands of young Kashmiris.

6. Long-term Peace and Stability Cannot Be Achieved by Force Alone

   • Military operations may suppress terrorism temporarily but sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes, including emotional and psychological trauma.

   • Example: In North East India, insurgency has declined significantly due to a combination of dialogue, economic development, and cultural outreach.

7. Strengthens National Integration

   • Winning over people emotionally and psychologically creates a shared sense of belonging to the Indian Union, which is the ultimate goal in conflict zones.

   • Example: Hosting national events like G20 meetings in Kashmir in 2023 showcased both development and national pride in the region.

Measures Adopted by the Government

1. Development and Infrastructure Push

   • PM Development Package (PMDP), 2015: ₹80,000 crore for roads, hydropower, health, and tourism.
   • Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link: Enhancing connectivity and integration.
   • Smart Cities Mission: Srinagar and Jammu selected to boost urban development.

2. Employment and Skill Development

   • Himayat and Udaan schemes: Training and job placement for youth in private sector.
   • Recruitment drives in police and paramilitary for local youth.
   • Back-to-Village programme: Local job fairs, grievance redressal, and service delivery.

3. Education and Youth Engagement

   • Setting up IIMs, IITs, AIIMS, and skill centres in the region.
   • Mission Youth: Aims to engage youth through sports, education, and cultural activities.
   • Super-50 Coaching: For NEET, JEE, and UPSC preparation — especially for underprivileged students.

4. Cultural Integration and Outreach

   • Promotion of Kashmiri language and Sufi traditions to counter radical narratives.
   • Tourism promotion to revive cultural pride and boost economy.
   • Sports events like football and cricket leagues involving local youth.

5. Political and Administrative Inclusion

   • Delimitation exercise and Panchayat elections (2018–19): Grassroots democracy after decades.
   • Reservation for STs, SCs, and women in local bodies.
   • Restoring statehood and democratic processes has been promised as part of political reconciliation.

6. Security with Sensitivity

   • Security forces trained in restraint and human rights sensitivity.
   • Operation Sadbhavana: Indian Army initiative for school building, healthcare, and civic outreach.
   • Focus on intelligence-based, low-collateral operations to reduce civilian harm.

7. Counter-Radicalisation and Rehabilitation

   • De-radicalisation counselling centres for vulnerable youth.
   • Surrender and rehabilitation policy: For militants willing to return to mainstream.
   • Monitoring of online content to combat extremist propaganda.

India’s strategy in J&K is gradually shifting from a force-centric to a citizen-centric approach. While challenges like foreign infiltration and ideological radicalisation persist, restoring trust, dignity, and opportunity to the people is central to lasting peace. A balanced approach combining security, development, dialogue, and dignity is key to winning hearts and minds in the region.