Q.Winning of Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

graph TD
    A["Government Measures in Jammu and Kashmir"] --> B["Security and Counter-Terrorism Measures"]
    A --> C["Economic Development Initiatives"]
    A --> D["Infrastructure Development"]
    A --> E["Social and Educational Initiatives"]
    A --> F["Tourism and Cultural Promotion"]
    A --> G["Political and Administrative Reforms"]

Body

A. Why Winning Hearts and Minds is Essential

• Reducing Alienation: Bridges the trust deficit between the local population and the state, integrating marginalized communities into the national mainstream.
• Dismantling Terror Support: Deprives insurgent groups of local logistical support, shelter, and fresh recruitment.
• Ensuring Sustainable Peace: Addresses the root socioeconomic grievances—such as unemployment and lack of infrastructure—that fuel unrest.

B. Measures Adopted by the Government in Jammu and Kashmir

• Economic Development Initiatives:
  • Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), 2015: Allocated ₹80,000 crores to boost infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
  • Back to Village (B2V) Program: Initiated in 2019 to facilitate direct dialogue between government officials and rural citizens to address local grievances.
• Political and Administrative Reforms:
  • Abrogation of Article 370 (2019): Aimed at fully integrating J&K with the rest of India, ensuring the application of all central laws and welfare schemes.
  • Delimitation Commission (2020): Redrew assembly constituencies to ensure fair and democratic political representation.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Chenani-Nashri Tunnel (2017) & Zojila Tunnel Project: Enhancing all-weather connectivity, boosting trade, tourism, and regional integration.
• Social and Educational Initiatives:
  • Mission Youth (2021): Focuses on skill development, livelihood generation, and entrepreneurship to empower J&K's youth.
  • Special Scholarships: Providing educational opportunities for J&K students in premier institutions across India.
• Security and Counter-Terrorism Measures:
  • Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy (2021): Encourages local militants to shun violence and reintegrate into society through financial and vocational support.
  • Operation Sadbhavana: The Indian Army’s community outreach program, organizing medical camps, running schools, and sponsoring educational tours.
• Tourism and Cultural Promotion:
  • Tourism Revival Package (2021): A ₹283 crore package to promote J&K as a safe, world-class tourist destination.
  • Home-Stay Scheme: Encourages local participation in the tourism economy, directly benefiting rural households.

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