The “Hearts and Minds” approach in counter-terrorism is a strategic doctrine that emphasizes building trust, and popular support within local populations to defeat terrorist movements.
Importance of Hearts and Minds
Prevention of Radicalization by deligitimising terrorism
Community Intelligence Gathering
Reducing Support for Terrorist Activities
Enhanced Legitimacy of the State – state as ‘development partner’ rather than ‘occupying force’
Long-Term Stability and Peace as ‘residual anger’ is addressed
Measures adopted by the Government
National integration through abrogation of Article 370
Operation Sadbhavana – Army-led goodwill initiatives focusing on education, healthcare and youth engagement.
Civic Action Programme (CAP) – Police and CAPFs hold public meetings, sports events and grievance redress camps. Eg- Jan Sampark melas
Skill development, entrepreneurship push – Eg- Mission Youth and Himayat
Social infrastructure development – Eg- IIT and AIIMS in jammu
Connectivity initiatives for tourism promotion. Eg- Chenab Bridge, and running Vande Bharat trains
De-radicalisation Centres – Counselling sessions for first-time offenders.
Surrender and Rehabilitation policy for former militants through financial assistance, education and job support.
Targeted Security Approach – Eg- Focus on OGWs and hybrid militants without mass crackdowns.
Community Policing – Eg- Village Defence Groups in Rajouri-Poonch.
For long-term peace and stability in the region 4-pronged stategy is needed
Strengthening HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and TECHINT (Technological Intelligence).
SMART Boders (Madhukar Gupta Committee)
Raising cost of terrorism for Pakistan. Eg- Operation Sindoor
Human-centric Counterinsurgency