Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called on the Jammu and Kashmir Police to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance data collection and analysis in a significant development underscoring the evolution of modern policing in the Union territory. His appeal is a reflection of a growing recognition of the pivotal role technology plays in augmenting traditional security frameworks, particularly in Kashmir which is grappling with complex insurgency and terrorism challenges. The emphasis on blending Technical Intelligence (TECHINT) with Human Intelligence (HUMINT) presents an opportunity to recalibrate the counter-terrorism approach in Jammu & Kashmir. Artificial Intelligence offers transformative potential for law enforcement. AI-powered surveillance, predictive analytics, facial recognition, and natural language processing can revolutionize how the police gather, sift through, and act on information. In a region where threats are often multi-layered and diffuse, AI can help identify patterns of suspicious behavior, map terror networks, intercept digital communications, and assess risk in real-time. Machine learning algorithms, for instance, can analyze social media chatter, communication intercepts, and travel patterns to flag potential threats before they manifest. However, AI alone cannot address the deeply human dimensions of counter-terrorism. HUMINT—information gathered from human sources—remains irreplaceable. Informants embedded in communities, intelligence gathered from interrogations, and the nuanced understanding of local sentiment provide depth and context that machines cannot replicate. Striking a balance between TECHINT and HUMINT means neither replacing human sources with algorithms nor relying solely on outdated methods. It involves integrating both to complement and reinforce one another. The real challenge lies in operationalizing this synergy. Firstly, the police must invest in digital infrastructure and AI capabilities—both hardware and software. This includes secure data lakes, advanced analytics tools, and AI training programs. Simultaneously, personnel must be trained to interpret AI-generated insights with the critical thinking that only human intelligence can provide. Secondly, ethical data governance must be a cornerstone. As AI enables deeper surveillance and intrusion into private lives, robust safeguards and oversight mechanisms are necessary to prevent misuse and ensure public trust. Transparency, accountability, and legal frameworks must evolve alongside technological adoption. Finally, community engagement cannot band should not be ignored. Intelligence flows best when communities trust law enforcement. A balanced approach—wherein technology enables quicker, more accurate assessments and HUMINT provides the human pulse—can make counter-terrorism not just effective but sustainable. LG Sinha’s remarks points in the right direction. If Jammu & Kashmir can lead in building a hybrid intelligence model, it could become a blueprint for other regions facing similar threats. The convergence of AI and traditional intelligence may well be the key to enduring peace and proactive security in the country