Answer:

Introduction:

Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri-Poonch region, known for its serene landscapes, has been gripped by a sudden wave of militant activities after enjoying 15 years of relative peace. This disconcerting situation has been sparked by a convergence of various factors, including local geography, political shifts, external influences, and economic challenges. This issue now poses a significant threat to the region’s stability and safety, demanding immediate and comprehensive action.

Body:

Listed below are the factors contributing to the recent resurgence of militancy in the Rajouri-Poonch region:

• Geographical Factors: 
  • The area is full of forests and hilly terrains, which makes it easy for militants to hide. 
  • For instance, what happened in October 2021, when militants just vanished into the woods during a month-long operation.

• Political Unrest: 
  • Ever since the government ended Article 370, some people have been unhappy. 
  • This unrest has sparked protests and made some people join the militants.
• External Factors: 
  • There is also proof of terrorism from across the border. 
  • From May 1, 2020, to May 18, 2023, there have been 32 terror-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri. 
  • Drones are even used to send things across the border, showing the level of external involvement.
• Economic Factors: 
  • With not enough jobs and slow economic growth, young people are easy targets for militants. 
  • Over the past decade, this has resulted in over 2,777 deaths.

Local folks are crucial in fighting militants. Their knowledge of the area and people can provide valuable information. 

• Local Knowledge: Locals, with their understanding of the region’s terrain, can give valuable intelligence about unusual activities, making them vital for effective operations.
• Early Warning System: As the first to notice changes in behaviour, communities can alert authorities about potential radicalization among their youth.
• Building Trust: Involving locals in the peace process can foster trust between them and security forces, a key element for maintaining social harmony and operational success.
• Countering Militant Propaganda: Locals can challenge the narratives and propaganda of militants, helping to deter others from joining them.
• For instance, The Mukhtar incident, where a local’s death during a search operation led to protests, underlines the need for sensitive handling of local communities during these operations.

Their role is not just important, it’s essential for maintaining peace in the region.

To solve this problem, the comprehensive approach that can be deployed:

• Trust-Building: The local community needs to trust the security forces. Properly investigating incidents like Mukhtar’s death and sharing the results with the people can help build this trust.
• Political Talks: We should talk to the locals and try to solve their problems, which can help reduce the number of people joining the militants.
• Job Creation: More jobs and better local development can provide alternatives to joining militants.
• Better Border Security: More surveillance and better border patrols can help stop cross-border terrorism, including the use of drones.

Conclusion:

The Rajouri-Poonch area’s problem is complex, and solving it will require a mix of political, economic, and security efforts, all while keeping the local community in mind. The goal is to create peace, encourage development, and stop the path to militancy.

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