stone-pelting-strikes-halted-post-article-370-abrogation

Jammu and Kashmir has reported a complete cessation of stone pelting incidents and strikes in the valley, according to data released by the Union Home Ministry on Monday.

In 2023, there were no incidents of stone pelting or strikes, marking a 100 per cent reduction since 2010, when there were 2,654 reported incidents of stone pelting and 132 strikes. Additionally, the data reveals a 69 per cent decrease in terror incidents since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government took office in 2014.

Monday also marks the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On August 5, 2019, the Indian government also enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which divided the former state into two Union Territories: Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Between June 2004 and May 2014, during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Jammu and Kashmir experienced 7,217 terror incidents, resulting in 2,829 civilian and security personnel deaths. In contrast, from June 2014 to July 31, 2024, there were 2,263 terror incidents, with 944 civilian and security force fatalities—a 69 per cent reduction in terror incidents and a 67 per cent decrease in deaths.

During the UPA era, 1,060 security personnel died in terror attacks, whereas under the BJP government, this number has decreased by 44 per cent to 591.

Officials attribute these results to a "policy of zero tolerance" towards terrorism and various measures implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. These include efforts to de-radicalise, crack down on terror financing through asset seizures and freezing, and banning anti-national organisations.

A multi-faceted strategy has been employed to prevent infiltration, including multi-layered deployments, enhanced fencing, advanced technology, and rigorous monitoring of cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The counter-insurgency grid has been strengthened with a focus on the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The government has also acted to curtail the glorification of terrorism, implemented restrictions on public funerals, removed terror supporters from government positions, taken action against alleged terrorists in legal councils, and barred those supporting terrorism from government contracts.