New Delhi, Jan 01: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its 2024 annual report has highlighted the near extinction of the terrorism ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), attributing this significant shift to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Union Government. The report emphasizes that the goal of a ‘terror-free’ Jammu and Kashmir is nearing realization, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Zero Tolerance Policy toward terrorism.
The MHA’s report stresses that the era of recommendations in J&K is now over, with all appointments made based purely on merit. It also outlines the region’s transition into a new era of democratic participation, evidenced by the unprecedented voter turnout in the 2024 elections.
The MHA further underscores the monumental progress achieved under the Narendra Modi-led government in fostering peace and empowering the people of J&K. It highlights the unprecedented participation of the region’s residents in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, marking a clear sign of their unwavering faith in the democratic process. The report also emphasizes the empowerment of marginalized communities, including the Pahari ethnic group, Padari tribes, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin, as key achievements of 2024.
In a firm commitment to addressing terrorism, the MHA report stresses that the government has employed innovative methods to combat terror, with security forces engaged in decisive operations against terrorism. These efforts are supported by a strategic legal framework aimed at banning individuals and organizations involved in anti-India activities.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is committed to building a terror-free J&K. Our security forces are engaged in decisive operations, and we are empowering them through legal actions against terror-linked elements,” the report states.
The MHA further notes that the success achieved in Kashmir through the “Area Domination Plan” and “Zero Terror Plan” will now be replicated in the Jammu division to ensure peace and security across the entire region.
The report also points to the remarkable voter turnout in the 2024 elections: a 58.46% voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections, and an impressive 63.88% turnout in the Assembly elections, marking a significant rise in political engagement compared to previous years. The MHA asserts that this reflects the region’s strengthened faith in democratic practices, free from fear or separatist influence.
The MHA declares that the era of recommendations in J&K has ended, with appointments now based purely on merit. The report highlights the ongoing transparency in the recruitment process, mentioning that Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally distributed over 1,000 appointment letters through video conferencing for the J&K Combined Examination-2024 and other compassionate appointments.
In a significant effort to improve public transportation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also launched 100 air-conditioned eco-friendly buses in the Jammu region, marking a key step toward improving infrastructure and easing commuting for the people.
The MHA report also praises the Modi government for prioritizing the empowerment of historically marginalized communities. A major development in this regard was the passage of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This historic legislation includes the Pahari ethnic group, Padari tribes, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin in the Scheduled Tribes category, ensuring their access to essential reservations.
“The bill is a step toward social equity, ensuring that deserving communities in the hills and valleys of Jammu and Kashmir receive the benefits they are entitled to, fostering a new sense of unity among the people,” the MHA report noted.
Importantly, the report reassures that this inclusion will not impact the reservations currently available to existing Scheduled Tribes such as Gujjars and Bakarwals, who will continue to receive their benefits as before.
The MHA’s 2024 report presents a picture of a transformed Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on peace, merit-based governance, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. The Modi government’s continued commitment to improving the region’s infrastructure, governance, and security is evident, as it strives to build a prosperous and terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.
