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.

The 'winning of hearts and minds' (WHAM) doctrine recognises that terrorism feeds on popular alienation and grievance. Durable peace in Jammu and Kashmir therefore requires the state to rebuild trust with its people, not merely to prevail through kinetic operations. The government has combined firm security with development, political inclusion and empathetic engagement.

Developmental and economic measures

• The Prime Minister's Development Package and the promotion of industry, handicrafts and tourism aim to generate jobs and blunt the economic appeal of militancy.
• Back to Village and My Town My Pride carry governance and service delivery directly to the grassroots.

Political and social inclusion

• Revived three-tier Panchayati Raj, Block and District Development Council elections have deepened grassroots democracy and a sense of ownership.
• Reservation for marginalised groups and sustained youth outreach widen the popular stake in the system.

Security with a human face

• The Army's Operation Sadbhavana runs goodwill schools, skilling and medical camps to bridge the civil-military gap.
• Surrender-cum-rehabilitation policies offer misguided youth a credible path back to the mainstream.

Challenges of online radicalisation, cross-border terror and unemployment persist. Sustained development, credible political processes and a humane security posture together restore the trust on which lasting normalcy in the Union Territory depends.