Operation Sindoor Shifted Defence Strategy

When on the night of May 6-7, 2025, India initiated Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), many people started living and sharing the life of the 1965 and 1971 war days. Although this was a strategic operation that lasted only four days, it brought back equal fear of two wars, forcing many families to temporarily shift out of J&K to other states. India responded only because of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 lives were lost in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley. 

Named ‘Sindoor’ to honor the victims' widows, the operation symbolized India’s determination to fight cross-border terrorism effectively. Its objectives were to eliminate terrorist infrastructure, punish those responsible, and deter future attacks, reflecting a significant shift in India’s defence strategy. The Pahalgam attack was linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Groups such as LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen have historically operated from Pakistan, targeting Indian civilians and security forces. Operation Sindoor aimed to disrupt these groups by striking nine critical terror sites—four in Pakistan’s Punjab province, including LeT’s base in Muridke and JeM’s stronghold in Bahawalpur, and five in PoJK, such as the Sawai Nala and Syedna Bilal camps in Muzaffarabad. 

This operation became proof of India’s military capabilities because of deep strikes in Pakistan. Besides, this mission demonstrated highly effective tri-service coordination. The strikes successfully destroyed training camps and operational centres, reportedly eliminating over 100 militants, including high-profile targets like Abdul Rauf Azhar of JeM, associated with the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2002 murder of journalist Daniel Pearl. Operation Sindoor was executed with a focused intent, sparing Pakistani civilian targets and averting a larger conflict between nuclear-armed nations. 

Beyond military success, the operation imposed significant costs on Pakistan’s military-terrorist nexus. With this, India signaled its intolerance for terrorist sanctuaries, regardless of location, and asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities would not restrain India’s responses to terrorism. While this operation achieved its immediate aims of destruction and neutralization, heavy retaliatory shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control resulted in casualties of thirteen civilians, and 59 others were injured. This situation stressed the balance India must always maintain to prevent extensive conflict. 

Though Operation Sindoor reset deterrence and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced plans to establish a memorial in honor of the 26 victims of last month’s tragic terror attack at Baisaran near Pahalgam, it may not resolve the underlying issue of terrorism, as recruits may fill the ranks of terrorist organizations. For this, steps should be taken to create long-term solutions by preventing radicalization, and permanent international cooperation to limit terror financing, to stop Pakistan from acting against India. Moreover, there should be no delay in announcing a memorial in honor of the victims of this four-day conflict in the Jammu region as well.

Operation Sindoor has enhanced India’s stance while achieving its initial objective of disrupting crucial pro-terror infrastructure. However, completely eradicating terrorism remains a challenge that requires persistent efforts beyond just military action. For this, the government’s move to send multi-party delegations across the world for communicating India’s perspective is a right beginning. As the world’s spotlight shifts toward India with this high-level diplomatic engagement, the time has come to ‘hit smart’ to prevent the loss of innocent lives in the border areas of Jammu.

 

Congress Workers Searching Answers

The political environment in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has always been complex. Political developments following the 2024 J&K assembly elections have pushed down the Congress party in the alliance structure with the National Conference (NC). This sidelining is reflected in Congress’s choice to extend outside support instead of joining the NC-led government due to its electoral shortcomings and conflicting priorities after the election results. The NC and Congress have a history of working together in J&K, particularly during the coalition government from 2009 to 2014 led by Omar Abdullah. In the 2024 assembly elections, both parties ran as pre-poll allies under the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) banner.

NC secured 42 seats predominantly in the Kashmir valley, while Congress managed only six, five from Kashmir and one from the Pir Panjal region. Congress’s inability to capture seats in the Jammu plains marked a significant political setback. With 43 seats in the Jammu region, Jammu became a stronghold for the BJP, as local Congress leaders failed to secure victory in important constituencies, revealing its flaws during ticket distribution. Congress's high command and their appointed observers relied on unsuccessful leaders to make electoral strategies despite their past electoral losses. These local leaders were out again with arrogance and high-handedness during election days and further dented the credibility of the party.

Additionally, the NC’s strong results in the Kashmir valley further tilted the dynamics. After these losses, some Jammu Congress leaders were more worried about ensuring that the party's rebel leader (who won as an independent candidate) was not given any significant portfolio in the cabinet. This also led to a crucial disagreement regarding the distribution of ministerial roles with the NC. In turn, NC proposed one cabinet position, which Congress considered insufficient, causing it to withdraw and opt to support the government from the outside. This highlighted Congress’s diminished standing as the NC moved forward to establish the government without Congress’s direct involvement.

Principally, the formation of the alliance was built on a flawed foundation as the NC and Congress hold different perspectives on crucial issues like restoring statehood and reinstating Article 370. The NC emphasizes both as vital, while Congress supports restoring statehood, and it hesitates to advocate for the reinstatement of Article 370. This became apparent when Congress leaders did not back the NC’s Article 370 resolution in the J&K assembly.  Both parties publicly downplay any discord; however, reports of internal friction have emerged, with Congress expressing discontent over the NC’s decisions, including appointing a Deputy Speaker from the BJP.

Some J&K Congress leaders favor splitting from the alliance in J&K. This sentiment highlights frustration with the NC’s dominance. J&K Congress in-charge Nasir Hussain’s recent meeting with Omar Abdullah suggests efforts to restore relations, as Congress’s marginalization impacts the political landscape in J&K. First, it could further empower the BJP in the Jammu region. Second, without Congress’s ability to influence policy decisions, this is affecting its voters and supporters. Third, for the NC, Congress’s non-involvement helps in building its cadre in the Jammu region, which aims to repair regional divisions and represent secular interests. Congress’s future in J&K politics revolves around its ability to rebuild organizational strength. Due to Congress's fading appeal in Jammu, workers are searching for answers to the question: Who is to blame? The delicate nature of the coalition, along with Congress not being in a favorable position, necessitates rethinking, as merely opposing the BJP in Jammu will continue to backfire.

Reform Government Schools

Civil society members should resume discussions on every platform about the prevailing government education system in today’s J&K, as this is crucial for two reasons. In August 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced that it was considering a proposal requiring government employees to enroll their children in public schools. Several representations were submitted against this proposal, which may lead to its withdrawal. The representations highlighted the deteriorating learning environment, directly indicating a lack of confidence in government schools among government employees. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced the merger of 4,358 schools under a rationalization scheme. Among these, 1,274 institutions are from the Jammu region, and 3,084 are from the Kashmir region.

Expanding educational opportunities for low-income families remains necessary in both regions. Government schools in Jammu and Kashmir require reforms to address infrastructural deficiencies, teacher-student ratio challenges, and insufficient learning environments. The new government should embrace innovative changes to facilitate a comprehensive shift that could significantly transform the educational framework. A new set of educational strategies can be tailored and implemented to tackle schooling issues for children from low-income families. The commitment to enhance public services should begin with a mission to reform government schools.

To begin with, a strategy focusing on substantial infrastructure investments should be developed. The government should increase spending in the education sector, upgrading all classrooms to international standards, with an emphasis on establishing high-tech IT labs. This would result in a significant boost in government school facilities. To provide quality education, the renovation of existing buildings and the addition of classrooms will enhance learning systems. In Jammu and the Kashmir region, numerous schools operate from deteriorating structures or lack adequate facilities. This clearly demands urgent action to ensure that every child can access a secure educational environment. 

Teacher training should be part of the strategy. Some programs should be designed to bridge the learning gap by training teachers to deal with students at various levels. This needs specialized training in modern teaching methods because teachers come from diverse educational backgrounds themselves. Considering these concerns, conducting regular competency tests for all teachers will empower teachers and would lead to better student engagement and attendance in government schools.  In addition, the new education curriculum should be introduced which emphasizes on complete growth of children instead of merely academic success. Such programs possibly will assist in reflecting that the government truly cares for the future of those children who cannot afford costly private education. 

Many resources and opportunities have been wasted before. The monitoring authorities are fully negligent and manipulate student records to conceal the real situation. Furthermore, reforms will be sustainable only when the governance approach includes transparency, and the funds are utilized effectively because corruption and inefficiency led to the mismanagement of funds openly in the past. Implementing such a model in Jammu and Kashmir would not be without challenges because J&K's education system spans both urban and remote areas. Still, if the steps are taken to implement the education reform model and adapted quickly in J&K, this could serve as the biggest example of the new governance standard. All it needs is acceptance by local stakeholders, and the political will to implement by rising above petty politics. With this mission to reform government schools, thousands of children in the J&K can shape the future of this region.

Srinagar Train Link Pose Challenges For Jammu

The introduction of direct rail services linking Srinagar with major cities such as Delhi marks a significant milestone in the transport infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir. While this development promises to bring many benefits to the entire region, it also poses potential economic challenges, especially for Jammu, which has historically served as an important transport hub for travelers to and from the Kashmir valley. Jammu has long been the gateway to Kashmir and has acted as a ‘stop point’ for tourists as well as a key point for the transport of goods and services. The city's economy is heavily dependent on its role as a ‘stop point’, and this strategic location has allowed sectors such as hospitality, transport and warehousing to flourish. 

With the train service now extending straight to Srinagar, the immediate effect on Jammu may be a significant reduction in transit-related commercial activities. Jammu has profited from tourists stopping during their journey to Kashmir. The direct rail connection diminishes the need for such halts, potentially resulting in fewer visitors exploring or even stopping by Jammu. Hotels, eateries, and local attractions will experience a decline in customers as travelers can now arrive in Kashmir more efficiently. The transportation industry in Jammu, like taxi services, bus operators, and freight carriers, has had a business advantage on the route to Kashmir.  With the rail connection avoiding dependency on Jammu for goods transportation, there will be considerable job losses in this industry. 

The local warehousing sector, which has been storing items destined for Kashmir, may also face a decline as direct rail shipping lessens the necessity for any such storage. Local businesses that depended solely on this will find it challenging to survive in the coming months. This drop will ultimately lead to decreased demand for local products and services, ranging from retail shops to small business establishments. The long-term financial implications are going to get adverse. Without proper management, the railway connection could indeed stimulate economic crisis in Jammu. 

For this, the need is to opt and discover new ways to effectively market Jammu as a supplementary destination for tourists visiting Kashmir. Jammu’s historical importance and cultural legacy should be promoted to keep it relevant in the tourism industry. Developing new attractions or cultural sites might draw tourists who would otherwise bypass the city. Government should play a crucial role, and this might include subsidies or incentives for businesses affected by the rail link, or now initiatives to promote Jammu as a destination, not just a transit point.

There are many people in social -political circles floating the idea that nothing will happen to Jammu. But the train arriving in Srinagar does undeniably present immediate economic hurdles for Jammu by shifting of traditional economic dynamics. However, without strategic vision, policy backing, and local effort, Jammu won’t be able to adjust to this shift. If this is not done in a few years, then Jammu will become “another Pathankot”. So, the crucial factor lies in utilizing this infrastructural change to evolve rather than just respond to economic transitions. The city's future success will develop on how proficiently some businesses in Jammu diversify, integrate, and market itself in the newly formed economic environment influenced by the Srinagar rail connection.

Punjabi Language Cultural Heritage of J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) in December 2024 officially released a detailed notification for lecturer posts in Jammu and Kashmir. In this notification, there was only one lecturer post for the Punjabi language. It showed that the local government was not serious about developing the Punjabi language in J&K. This appeared contradictory to National Education Policy 2020 because it stresses that the government should provide a teacher to even one student who wants to study in his/her mother tongue. Till 1981, Punjabi language was a compulsory subject like Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir, and then in year 2020 Punjabi was excluded from the J&K Official Languages Bill.  There was huge resentment in the Sikh community and even several requests were made to the government to review its decision, but nothing moved in a positive direction.

The Punjabi language has a historical connection between J&K and Punjab which started before the partition of India in 1947. Punjabi served a crucial role in the formation of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity. The Dogra rulers of J&K maintained strong ties with Punjab. This led to the migration of numerous Punjabi-speaking communities into the Jammu area who became part of the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Nowadays among the Dogras, the influence of Punjabi is notably significant, as they culturally are closer to Punjab than with the Kashmiri traditions. Likewise, the celebration of Lohri, Baisakhi, love for Punjabi music in Jammu shows the cultural synthesis of the Punjabi language.

The result is that the Punjabi has become part of the daily lives and cultural celebrations of the Jammu region. The role of the Punjabi language in the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir highlights the necessity of its revival. In Kashmir also the impact of Punjabi remained significant during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's governance. Throughout that period, Punjabi assumed a key administrative position. However, as time passed and with shifts in politics, the rise of Kashmiri and Urdu was witnessed while the prominence of Punjabi declined in the valley. Yet, its legacy is still visible within the Sikh community living in Kashmir.

Because Punjabi usage in Jammu and Kashmir has not been as prevalent, particularly in educational facilities. Therefore, the need is for its revival as it could enhance community connections by incorporating it into educational programs. Incorporating Punjabi as an academic subject in all schools, especially in regions where it is predominantly spoken will honor the local culture and heritage of J&K. The emphasis on Urdu, Kashmiri, and English has eclipsed Punjabi, resulting in a decrease in its everyday application. This decline threatens to extinguish a vital segment of the region's cultural heritage.

A policy should be formulated for Punjabi language conservation, acknowledging Punjabi officially in areas where it is most prevalent, at the earliest. The revival of the Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir goes beyond mere language preservation; it expresses the protection of a vital aspect of the local heritage. It would enhance the cultural richness of J&K and preserve the historical connections that have influenced this region of India. An initiative to revive Punjabi therefore deserves commitment and action from all those who value the cultural energy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Engage Rural Areas Youth In Sports

  

Jammu and Kashmir, renowned for its stunning landscapes, has had a large sports infrastructure deficiency for decades. This obstructed the advancement of sports culture in local society and restricted several opportunities for J&K's youth. Despite the region's potential and the enthusiasm of its young populace, the inadequacy of suitable sports facilities caused a significant impediment to the growth of sports culture. The sports infrastructure in J&K currently falls significantly short of expectations. Various reports, including those from local media, clearly indicate that both regions lack adequate facilities. For example, in Jammu, the Bana Singh Stadium, originally intended to serve as a multi-purpose venue, is deficient due to poorly planned construction. 

This situation is just one example but reflects an underlying problem in many districts of J&K, where sports facilities face complete neglect. Additionally, sports infrastructure is distributed unevenly between urban and rural areas. Urban areas have some facilities, while rural areas lack sports amenities hindering comprehensive activities for the youth in such areas. This deficiency in infrastructure directly leads to lower sports participation as the youth outside cities cannot compete due to lack of facilities. In this situation, some young athletes have no option but to find opportunities outside their local communities. This raises costs for them and adds physical and emotional stress. 

It should be ensured that sports facilities are not just an urban luxury. Facilities should be available in areas with low population density too for developing balanced talent across different sports disciplines. In past decades, government attention was less on sports development due to years of conflict and political unrest, which resulted in a lack of investment in sports infrastructure. Also, growth has been hampered by the politicization of sports governance at the hands of a few people, which resulted in corruption and inefficiencies, which is not a secret. To address these problems and create an atmosphere where sportsmen from far flung areas can flourish, certain strict actions must be taken by sidelining bogus sports administrators in J&K. 

A transparent and accountable system must be established to promote the selection of rural youth in different games. The government must increase funding for sports infrastructure in backward areas as a top priority. Although the recent budget increase for sports in J&K is a good start, implementation must be accelerated and closely watched to ensure efficient use in both regions. Involving more private organizations in programs like "adopt a stadium" could aid in the financing and upkeep of sports facilities. Such programs should be made a permanent part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focusing on sports development in J&K. 

The businesses should be involved in setting up mini-stadiums or community sports centers in every district, focusing on multi-sport facilities. First, existing sports facilities that are underutilized or poorly maintained must be restored under CSR. If done in the true sense, sports can positively engage rural youth by building a sports culture from the ‘ground to every home’. Second, supporting and organizing local tournaments and school competitions for different sports is another way to promote sports in young children. This grassroot strategy incorporates community involvement in sports development while simultaneously promoting sports. 

In conclusion, while Jammu and Kashmir face significant challenges in sports infrastructure, there are clear and actionable pathways to improvement. By focusing on both the construction of new facilities and the maintenance of existing ones, coupled with strategic governmental and private sector involvement, Jammu and Kashmir can transform into a sports hub. With this, the youth in both urban and rural areas will get opportunities to excel on national and international platforms. This change would not only enhance sporting achievements but also contribute to the socio-economic fabric of both regions.

Government Job Aspirants Flooding Coaching Institutes

Go out any day and you will find government job aspirants flooding coaching institutes in Jammu’s several localities. This phenomenon has transformed many residential areas into bustling commercial hubs, known for these ‘teaching shops’. Numerous institutes in the city serve students preparing for government employment exams across different services. The surge in demand for government positions stems from limited job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir’s private sector.  Moreover, the government is the biggest employer in J&K and lack of job security in the private sector is another key factor for youth looking more towards government. Consequently, these institutes are filled with lakhs of aspirants seeking government jobs.  Nevertheless, attending these coaching centers can be challenging, as they charge steep fees. The commercialization is to such an extent that even basic facilities are missing at some of these institutes which operate in tight lanes of old Jammu city. 

This raises an important question: who bears responsibility for this situation - the government or society? Regardless of the answer, one clear outcome remains that unemployment has silenced the cries of struggling families and young people eager to find work and earn a livelihood. It is essential to sense the issue and seek lasting solutions, as Jammu and Kashmir faces a significant job crisis.  Some argue that employment generation is underway since industries have begun operating, which should boost job opportunities in coming months. However, those pursuing this belief overlook the gap between ‘policy commitments’ and ‘actual results’. In J&K, for instance, MBA graduates are working as salespeople for just ten to fifteen thousand rupees monthly. While there are others in rural areas with master’s degrees who are attempting to find jobs through government initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). 

Such situations, combined with youths' desperation due to job scarcity, contribute to the rise of the ‘coaching culture’, as these centers promote the notion of 'guaranteed success’. Unemployment needs to be addressed urgently by the newly formed government in J&K. The recent example of over 5.59 lakh candidates in Jammu and Kashmir taking exams for 4,002 police constable vacancies reflects that timely employment opportunities must be created for aspirants to qualify for government jobs. Additionally, some families these days are involving counselors and psychologists to provide psychotherapeutic help to children suffering from stress or depression due to rising unemployment. Moreover, the increasing cases of student suicide and the need to save young people from being exploited by this ‘coaching culture’ underscore that reform in the existing system of recruitment examinations could help reduce unemployment pressure.

Mere implementation of the guidelines in J&K will not fix the problem for the government. It should be ensured that all government department vacancies are monitored periodically, and those department heads not conforming to the timely recruitment process must face action. To address these challenges, the Jammu and Kashmir government should not only strengthen the infrastructure and adopt advanced technological interventions but also work to reduce the level of competition in these examinations by creating more employment avenues. According to the India Employment Report 2024, the share of youngsters with secondary or higher education among the total unemployed youth has nearly doubled from 35.2 percent in 2000 to 65.7 percent in 2022. Let’s hope that the current crisis will prompt much-needed reforms in the J&K government sector and bring relief to young people.