2023 · GS Paper 3 · Q9 · 10 marks
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.
In short
The Government has sought to win hearts and minds in Jammu and Kashmir through restored elections, doorstep governance, extended rights, Army outreach and investment, though shutdowns and targeted killings show trust remains fragile. The 2024 Lok Sabha poll recorded the region's highest turnout in 35 years.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 277 words
Restoring democratic voice
District Development Council elections in 2020 completed local democracy, and the 2024 Lok Sabha poll saw the highest turnout in 35 years (ECI), followed by the first Assembly election since 2014.
Government at the doorstep
The Back to Village programme (2019) took officers to every panchayat, and Mission Youth (2020) offered counselling and livelihoods.
Extending rights
Since 2019, laws such as the Forest Rights Act give Gujjar-Bakarwal forest dwellers enforceable entitlements.
Operation Sadbhavana
Since 1998, Army Goodwill Schools, medical camps and the Kashmir Super 30 coaching have built goodwill in remote areas.
Weaning youth from the gun
The Chinar Corps' Operation Maa reached young recruits through their mothers and persuaded several to surrender.
Investment and livelihoods
Industrial incentives and a tourism revival brought ₹84,000 crore of investment proposals in five years and ₹18,000 crore of tourism revenue in 2024 (Forward Press, 2025).
Gaps that dilute trust
The post-2019 internet shutdown, checked in Anuradha Bhasin (2020), and targeted killings in 2021-22 show the gains remain fragile.
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Extremism17 questions
Asked in 11 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state. (Answer in 250 words)
- 2025The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it ? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE ?
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.