Terrorism in the state of Jammu & Kashmir has seen vivid changes in the last three decades. It all started with two to three months trained individuals operating with a mindset of using guns to terrify locals and achieve a feeling of accomplishment. Thereafter, it graduated to isolated attacks on Security Forces (SF) to showcase their capability to the locals. These individuals operated mainly in the jungles and were brainwashed for money and stout religious beliefs.
The Kashmiri youth did not approve being associated with India as they perceived being exploited by Indian institutions. They feared that the special status of Kashmir is being abrogated resulting in meager benefits for them. In the year 1988, Kashmiri Muslims backed by Pakistani handlers started an uprising to liberate Kashmir from India by organised protests and political activities which turned violent the following year. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) led by core “Haji” group was one of the most prominent militant groups. JKLF’s leaders organised large scale protests in Kashmir Valley. Under the JKLF umbrella, many militant groups sprung up, JKLF used distinctly Islamic themes to mobilize crowd and this is how they justified their violence. There was utter unrest in the valley; giving foreign agencies a chance to explore. With this started the infiltration of terrorists from the other side and the beginning of India- Pakistan border skirmishes.

In the changing face of terrorism the militant commanders were seen roaming freely around the streets with their armed bodyguards. From free lancing with guns to launching of swift operations against the terrorists, the locals of valley have witnessed all. The face of terrorism in valley is changing from old commanders giving way to young militant commanders. The modus operandi and conduct of terrorist groups has changed from terrorizing locals, weapon snatching & targeting Security Forces to objective killing of prominent leaders aligned with the government along with use of technology. The terrorists have realized that taking on the might of the Indian Armed Forces ‘militarily’ is no longer possible for these terrorist organisations. Hence they are on the search for softer targets, with an added aim of triggering communal clashes in valley. Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing target killings of personalities linked with political parties and heads of villages, teachers and even laborers from various other states working in Kashmir for their livelihood.
Technology has actually become a doubled-edged weapon in Kashmir Valley as its development has brought great benefits attached with greater risks. The Facebook Icon - ‘Burhan Wani’ had exploited this platform as easy connectivity with the locals and post his elimination the valley has seen most youth joining the terrorism being part of social media and following these platforms with strong anti-national beliefs.
Having witnessed the changing modus operandi of terrorists, Security Forces in Jammu & Kashmir have undertaken modifications in their drills and procedures. In addition to reliance on HUMINT, credible focus is being given to technology to track the terrorists. Further, the outreach programme to reach to the parents of the local terrorists is yielding results. The practice of appealing the terrorists to surrender is being encouraged. Some attempts are successful, while others are not. Parents and other family members have made short videos urging their child (youth) turned militant to surrender to the Security Forces have been uploaded on various social media platforms. In recent ops, the family member is brought to the operation site and urged to talk to their child through megaphones in order to convince them to surrender.
High unemployment and lack of economic opportunities in Kashmir are said to have intensified the struggle in common life. Hence, the recent growth in educational facilities and recognition in the society on various social platforms has led to a massive increase in the literacy rate of the state. The overwhelming response of youth towards education as well as sports activities shows an inclination of the state towards a new beginning. With various economic activities reaching this region with the support of the central government policies seems like ‘a silver lining in the cloud’. The youth who were picking up arms are now exploring education, sports, and adventure activities including the entrepreneurship opportunity for the development of the state.
Social media and technology are proving to be a ‘boon & bane’ in the operations of SF as well. Many links in the ‘Burhan Wani’ case and ‘Operation All-out’ unfolded because of Facebook and location services which the social media could deliver to Security Forces. The use of ‘aerial bird’ i.e quad copters by the adversaries has proved to be a great threat to the security breaches. Quad copter was used to plan an attack on Jammu Airport which was averted (no casualties) due to the swift action by the SF. Recalling yet another incident from the recent past in the Keran sector where a quad copter used by the Security Forces was able to spot obliteration in the snow and the same confirmed infiltration attempt in the area. Thus, Security Forces could launch ops based on the input exploited the use of technology and eliminate the terrorists. Thus, this double- edged weapon has to be handled with utmost care to deny own info to enemy. Surely the domain of conflict is taking new shape in the valley and lot lies ahead for analysis.