In counter-insurgency doctrine, security operations can neutralize armed threats, but establishing durable peace requires Winning Hearts and Minds (WHAM). WHAM strategies focus on restoring civilian trust, addressing youth grievances, delivering public services, and integrating local populations into democratic governance.

Measures Adopted by the Government in Jammu and Kashmir

• 1. Democratic Outreach and Local Self-Governance:
  • Conducting multi-tiered local body elections (Panchayat and District Development Council polls) transferred administrative decision-making to grassroots representatives, broadening civic participation beyond traditional political elites.
• 2. Economic Development and Infrastructure Investments:
  • Implementing the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) accelerated investments in highway tunnels (e.g., Chenani-Nashri, Zojila), railway links connecting the valley with Jammu, and rural electrification.
  • Industrial investment policies offer incentives to attract private corporate manufacturing and hospitality projects, generating local employment.
• 3. Youth Livelihoods and Skill Development Initiatives:
  • Project Himayat: Provides market-aligned vocational training and corporate job placements for Kashmiri youth.
  • Project Umeed: Organizes rural women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to support micro-enterprises and financial self-reliance.
  • The Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (PMSSS) finances higher education across premier engineering and medical institutions nationwide.
• 4. Civic Action Programs by the Armed Forces (Operation Sadbhavana):
  • The Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces operate Army Goodwill Schools, provide emergency medical clinics in border villages, organize youth sports tournaments, and conduct national educational tours (Bharat Darshan).
• 5. Sports Engagement and Counter-Radicalization:
  • Establishing Khelo India Centres across all 20 districts engages young people in competitive sports (football, cricket, martial arts), providing productive recreational outlets.
• 6. Calibrated Humanitarian Approach in Security Operations:
  • Emphasizing minimal collateral damage during counter-terror operations, alongside structured surrender policies that allow local youth who joined militant cells to return to their families without retribution.
• 7. Cultural and Tourism Revitalization:
  • Promoting regional cultural festivals, supporting local handicraft artisans (Pashmina, walnut carving, papier-mâché), and encouraging national film productions in the valley to revive tourism livelihoods.

The WHAM strategy connects counter-terrorism security measures with socioeconomic development and democratic governance, building a foundation for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.