The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 18th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

A better terror fight with J&K police under elected government reins

Why is it News?

The recent remarks by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the role of local police in counter-terrorism efforts have sparked discussions about the need for reform in the J&K Police (JAKP). 

•  One key suggestion is to place the JAKP under the control of the elected government, which could enhance accountability and responsiveness to local concerns. 
•  This change is seen as a way to ensure that policing strategies align more closely with the needs of the community. 

Introduction

On June 16, 2025, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing the eradication of terrorism in the region. During his address at the passing out parade of the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy in Udhampur, he urged the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JAKP) to leverage modern technology in addressing security threats, preventing radicalization, and managing challenging situations. Sinha encouraged the police force to adopt a comprehensive strategy that includes intelligence gathering, building community trust, utilizing technology, and ensuring inter-agency cooperation, while also incorporating traditional beat policing methods.

Role of Local Police

• The local or state police are at the forefront of combating terrorism and are central to all counter-terrorism operations.

Support from Central Forces

• Central forces, such as the armed forces and central police, are present to support the state police, not to replace them.

Strength of Local Police

• Local police officers are from the area, giving them a better understanding of the land, people, and language compared to outsiders.

Advantage of Local Intelligence

• Their close relationship with the community enables them to gather more effective intelligence about terrorists who may be hiding among the local population.

Example – Pahalgam Attack

• The Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, highlighted a deficiency in human intelligence (HUMINT), suggesting that better HUMINT could have potentially prevented the incident.

Need for Reform

• There is a necessity to strengthen the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JAKP) by enhancing its functioning and efficiency.

Democratic Oversight

• Placing JAKP under the authority of an elected government will increase its accountability and responsiveness to the public.

Importance of Elected Leaders

• Local representatives, such as MLAs and sarpanches, possess valuable knowledge about their areas and should be involved in security discussions.

Community Trust

• Community members are more likely to share sensitive information with local leaders than with officials from central agencies.

Conclusion

• The fight against terrorism can be more effective when local police are empowered, local governance is respected, and community relationships are strong.

Restore the Democratic Structure

• Jammu and Kashmir has a robust democratic history, evident from high voter participation in local body elections.
• However, voter turnout in Assembly and parliamentary elections has declined, indicating the strength of grassroots democracy.
• Despite being elected, local representatives have not been fully empowered due to ongoing security issues.
• There is a pressing need to restore complete democratic governance, involving all levels from panchayats and municipal bodies to MLAs and MPs.
• The J&K Police (JAKP) is crucial for facilitating community-led governance and security initiatives.
• Excluding local leaders from security matters can lead to their indifference, reducing public engagement and support for counter-terrorism efforts.
• Policymakers must foster structured dialogues between police forces and local leaders to enhance public safety and trust.
• Tailored local responses are essential for addressing the diverse terrorism landscape in J&K, as a uniform approach will not be effective.
• Strengthening the partnership between local police and governance is vital for upholding democracy and ensuring security in the region.

Bridging the Gap

• The current exclusion of elected representatives from the security framework has led to subpar outcomes in Jammu and Kashmir.
• To enhance results, it is proposed that the control of the J&K Police (JAKP) be reinstated to the elected government.
• This shift would promote greater accountability and responsiveness to the community's needs, aligning policing strategies with local concerns and aspirations.
• Involving elected leaders in the policing process would help bridge the gap between the police and the public, fostering trust and cooperation essential for effective law enforcement.
• A strong police-community relationship is pivotal for successful counter-terrorism efforts, and elected leaders can play a key role in building this relationship.

Conclusion

• Holding Assembly and parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir has acknowledged the people's right to choose their leaders.
• However, the process remains incomplete without the active involvement of all citizens in governance.
• The core issue extends beyond terrorism to the need for inclusive governance, moving away from elite control.
• Mr. Sinha's vision of community involvement in security will falter without respecting and empowering elected representatives.
• Their active participation is crucial for genuine security improvements in the region.

Stepping stone

 Why in News? 

The collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO serves as a prime example of successful international cooperation in advancing space exploration and technology.

 Introduction 

Recently, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla completed a crucial two-week mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with Axiom Space and NASA. This mission is a significant step towards India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, set for 2027. It reflects India’s growing ambitions in space and the importance of clear communication to build public trust and excitement.

 Successful Space Mission Completion 

• A team of four astronauts, including Shubhanshu Shukla from India, successfully finished a two-week mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 15.
• This mission is seen as a crucial preparatory step for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight, scheduled for 2027.

 Significance for Gaganyaan Mission 

• Shukla’s mission is considered a practice run for the Gaganyaan program.
• While official details from Indian authorities are not clear, NASA and Axiom Space have provided explanations about the mission’s purpose.
• The mission is expected to enhance ISRO’s preparedness for the ₹20,000 crore Gaganyaan project.

 Cost and Collaboration 

• ISRO is reported to have paid over ₹500 crore to Axiom Space for Shukla’s training and spaceflight.
• ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that this cost was more efficient than setting up similar training programs independently.
• The partnership between NASA, Axiom, and ISRO is seen as a strategically beneficial and economically wise collaboration.

 Intensive Astronaut Training 

ISRO has indicated that Shubhanshu Shukla and backup astronaut Prasanth Nair underwent rigorous training in various areas, including:

• Advanced spacecraft systems
• Emergency protocols
• Scientific payload handling
• Microgravity adaptation
• Space medicine and survival skills
• As the mission pilot, Shukla received additional training in:
• Docking and undocking procedures
• Manual spacecraft operations
• Atmospheric reentry procedures
• Handling anomalies during the mission

 International Training Exposure 

• During his mission on the ISS, Mr. Shukla operated within the Japanese and European modules.
• Both he and his backup astronaut received specialized training for these modules in Japan and Germany, respectively.

 Technology Transfer and Strategic Openness 

• Initial concerns regarding the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) limiting knowledge transfer have been alleviated.
• However, there are ongoing concerns about ISRO’s limited public communication regarding these significant milestones.

 Outreach and Public Engagement: A Missed Opportunity? 

• Astronauts have the potential to be national role models and inspire individuals of all ages.
• As India approaches its inaugural human spaceflight, effective outreach can:
• Foster national excitement
• Enhance India’s global soft power
• ISRO’s current lack of proactive communication and restricted access to its astronauts is challenging to justify.
• Nevertheless, there remains an opportunity to improve public engagement and transparency for maximum benefit.

 Conclusion 

• Mr. Shukla’s mission not only enhances ISRO’s capabilities for human spaceflight but also highlights the importance of global partnerships in achieving technological advancements.
• However, the lack of clear communication regarding this mission poses a risk to public engagement.
•  As India gears up for the Gaganyaan mission, improving outreach and accessibility to astronauts can boost national pride and support for India’s expanding role in the global space community.