Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and directed all agencies operating in the Union territory to remain on high alert and work in close coordination to consolidate the gains achieved since the abrogation of Article 370. Chairing a high-level meeting in New Delhi, Shah underlined that while terrorism in the region had been significantly weakened, the government’s objective was now to completely eliminate it and make Jammu and Kashmir “terror-free” at the earliest.

The review meeting assumed added significance as it was held ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, a period traditionally viewed by security agencies as sensitive due to the heightened risk of terror attempts. The meeting was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union home secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, top officers of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, and chiefs of central armed police forces.

Sustaining Gains After Article 370

According to officials familiar with the discussions, Shah emphasised that the improved security environment in Jammu and Kashmir must be preserved through constant vigilance and inter-agency cooperation. He reminded those present that the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 had marked a turning point in the government’s approach to the region, and that the progress made since then should not be allowed to weaken.

“The terror eco-system in J&K has been crippled due to sustained and coordinated efforts of the government,” Shah said, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs after the meeting. He added that the Centre remained fully committed to ensuring lasting peace and stability in the Union territory.

Shah also assured security agencies that there would be no shortage of resources in achieving this objective. “The government will provide all necessary resources needed by them to achieve the goal of ‘terror-free J&K’ at the earliest,” he said, signalling continued political and administrative backing for counter-terrorism operations.

Mission-Mode Counter-Terror Operations

During the meeting, Shah praised the security forces for strengthening the overall security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the past year. He stressed that counter-terror (CT) operations targeting terrorist networks, infrastructure, and financing channels must continue in a mission mode.

Officials said the home minister laid special emphasis on dismantling the support structures that enable terrorism, including overground worker networks and funding routes. Intelligence gathering, coordinated operations between central and local forces, and the use of technology for surveillance were also discussed as key pillars of the strategy going forward.

For the past several weeks, security forces have been conducting intensive search and combing operations in mountainous areas and dense forests, especially in parts of Jammu where terrorist movement has been reported in recent months. These operations are aimed at tracking down militants who are believed to be using rugged terrain and forest cover to evade detection.

An officer briefed on the meeting said Shah was categorical that there should be no let-up in pressure on terror groups, even if incidents of violence have declined. “The idea is to ensure that terrorists have no space to regroup or revive,” the officer said.

Focus on Infiltration and Border Threats

Another major area of concern discussed during the meeting was cross-border infiltration. Security agencies have been asked to maintain a close watch on attempts by terrorists to sneak into Indian territory from across the border, particularly ahead of major national events.

As reported earlier, the Border Security Force (BSF) in Jammu has recently flagged the re-emergence of at least nine terror launch pads operated by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) along the international border. These launch pads had been shut down following Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to last year’s terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said Shah reviewed inputs related to infiltration routes, launch pads, and the preparedness of border forces to counter any such attempts. Strengthening coordination between the BSF, the Army, and intelligence agencies was identified as a priority to prevent terrorists from crossing over.

Background: Operation Sindoor and Its Aftermath

The reference to Operation Sindoor formed an important backdrop to Thursday’s meeting. On April 22 last year, a terror attack at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir killed several people and sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. The attack brought the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of a full-scale military confrontation.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, carrying out precision strikes on terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was widely seen as a strong signal of India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism emanating from across the border. A ceasefire came into effect on May 10, easing immediate tensions but leaving security agencies alert to possible retaliatory or follow-up actions by terror groups.

According to officials, Operation Sindoor significantly disrupted terror infrastructure across the border, including training camps and launch facilities. However, recent intelligence inputs suggest that some of these networks are attempting to regroup, making continued vigilance essential.

Republic Day Security and Long-Term Peace

Thursday’s review also focused on security arrangements for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, both in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in the country. Shah directed agencies to ensure seamless coordination and information sharing to pre-empt any attempt to disrupt the celebrations.

Beyond immediate security concerns, the home minister reiterated the government’s broader vision for Jammu and Kashmir — one centred on peace, development, and integration. Officials said Shah noted that improvements in security had enabled greater economic activity, increased tourism, and smoother implementation of development projects in the region.

However, he cautioned that terrorism remains the biggest obstacle to long-term stability. Eliminating it entirely, he said, is essential for ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can fully benefit from development initiatives and democratic processes.

Clear Message to Security Forces

The message from the review meeting was unambiguous: while significant progress has been made in weakening terrorist networks, the final objective of a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir is yet to be achieved. Shah’s assurance of full government support, combined with his call for relentless, coordinated action, underscored the Centre’s determination to maintain pressure on terrorist groups and their backers.

As security forces intensify operations on the ground and monitor developments across the border, the coming months are likely to be crucial in determining whether the current gains can be translated into lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.