Mapping Patterns of terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir

A dissertation submitted on the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology

By

Abhinav Arya
Roll number 19077505021

Under the guidance of

Dr. Pragyendu

Department of Applied Psychology

Sri Aurobindo College (Evening)
University of Delhi
April,2022
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that ABHINAV ARYA, Roll no. 19077505021has carried out the
research embodied in the present dissertation entitled, “Mapping Patterns of terrorist
attack in Jammu and Kashmir” under my supervision for the Bachelor’s Degree in the
Applied Psychology of University of Delhi.

Dr. Pragyendu
 INDEX

Sr. No. Description Page No.

1 Acknowledgement 4
2 Abstract 5
3 Chapter 01: Introduction 6
4 Chapter 02: Motivation to Join MIitancy 13
5 Chapter 03: Psychosocial Causes of Militancy 16
6 Chapter 04: Methodology 23
7 Chpater 05: Results and Interpretation 24
8 Chapter 06: Discussion 29
9 Chapter 07: Conclusion
10 References
11 Appendix
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful to my professors, Dr. Pragyendu and Dr. Sujeet Ram Tripathi, who assisted
me in fine-tuning this research and made the journey very informative. This project
would not have been possible without their assistance.

I am extremely grateful to my father for assisting me in locating veterans for the

interview. Hw helped me in any way he could.

I'd like to thank my friends, Sahil and Rohit, who were by my side throughout the journey
and helped me whenever I needed it. They were the ones who encouraged me to take on
and finish the project.

Abhinav Arya
Roll no. 19077505021
Abstract

Militancy in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has completed almost 35 years. It marked
its arrival with blasts in Srinagar city in 1988 and subsequently expanded to other parts in
a well-planned and organized manner. It has the ingredients of a professionally run
movement. For the past six decades, India has been embroiled in a battle over Kashmir,
which has resulted in militancy. Despite the horrific loss of life and massive security
expenditures, few studies on the mechanism of militancy and its pattern in Jammu and
Kashmir have been done until recently (J&K). This research examines the available data
on terrorist attacks over the previous 10 years in order to map the militant attacks that
have occurred in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, the study the examines the
Psychosocial and Ecological causes of militancy with the help to the information
gathered through interviewing veterans.

Keywords: Militancy, Militant Attacks, Psychosocial, Ecological.

CHAPTER 01

Introduction
India and Pakistan have fought over the border territory of Jammu and Kashmir ,since its
formal separation in 1947. For the most part, the region has remained under Indian
authority, despite fierce opposition from both within and beyond the country. Buddhists,
Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs make up Jammu and Kashmir's diverse population, which
includes people of many races, languages, and castes with varying affiliations. Even
Muslims, who make up the majority in Kashmir, are split between those who want an
independent country, those who want to join Pakistan, and those who want to stay within
Indian borders. Furthermore, the previous decade has seen territorial disputes between
regional powers.

Most recent clashes have occurred between India and Pakistan, which believes that the
entire state of Jammu and Kashmir should be incorporated into the Pakistani nation-state.
India claims that Pakistan's territorial occupations and disputes are illegal, but it has been
unable to stop them so far. The subject is complicated, and it has resulted in several
political debates, conflicts, and Militant attacks on innocent citizens in India.

Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir

Since 1989, disaster has hit in the form of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Since then,
there has been an insurgency against the Indian government that has claimed the lives of
millions of Kashmiris. Since the armed struggle between Muslim militants and Indian
security forces commenced in 1989, Kashmiris, both innocent and militants, have been
subjected to practically every conceivable abuse or suffering. A country that was once
thought to be an unbelievable utopia has turned into a very real misery.

Although India's governance and democracy were at the basis of the first discontent,
Pakistan played a key role in transforming it into fully-developed armed militant strikes.
In Kashmir, some militant organizations want ultimate independence, while others want
the territory to join Pakistan.

Militancy in the Past

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the parliament that in the last three years,
a total of 269 security forces personnel have been killed in 1,118 militant-related
incidents in J&K. In this context, it is prudent to understand the history and
circumstances that have led to the rise of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

As previously stated, militancy has existed in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. When
Farooq Abdullah took over as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, he eventually fell
out of favor with the Central Government. As a result the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
had his government toppled with the help of his brother-in-law G. M. Shah. A year later,
Abdullah reached an accord with the new Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and announced an
alliance with the Indian National Congress for the elections of 1987. The elections were
allegedly rigged in favor of Abdullah. According to most commentators, this resulted in
the rise of an armed insurgency movement.

Kashmir, formerly described as "heaven on earth" and a popular tourist destination, has
regrettably been consumed by fire. The 1987 elections were the catalyst, when a newly
formed but unpopular coalition between the Indian National Congress Party and the
state's ruling National Conference Party stole the assembly elections, denying dissident
groups participation in the new legislature. Then, in 1988, a group of young people
crossed the Line of Control (LOC) into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, underwent weapons
training, and returned to the valley well-prepared for political insurgency.

Local problems such as increasing electricity tariffs sparked mass protests, as did
international events such as support for the fatwa (edict) against Salman Rushdie. The
Kashmir government's ruthless repression of these demonstrations, on the other hand,
aided secessionist organizations seeking local support for the Azadi movement (freedom).

The state of Jammu and Kashmir was brought under President's rule in 1990, and was
subjected to heavy occupation by the Indian armed forces, all within a short period of
time as the situation deteriorated. Various diplomats, academicians, scholars, and
journalists have written extensively about the spontaneous breakout of a violent
secessionist conflict in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, a large body of
literature has appeared, most of it hastily produced, trying to explain the origins of
insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.

Contemporary Kashmir
In 2008 and 2010, Indian forces killed some two hundred mostly civilian protestors. The
hanging of Afzal Guru, convicted over the 2001 Indian parliament attack, also intensified
anger and sense of isolation of the Kashmiri youth. Violence in IOK showed a significant
increase during both 2014 and 2015. The major reason for the increased violence is the
sudden enthusiasm among local youths for militancy.

According to a senior military official, it remains unclear whether the latest round of
violence was because of infiltration by militants. He also said that a significant number of
Kashmiri youth were joining militant outfits. The army however did not report any
infiltration during this time. A far more worrisome fact for Indian security forces since
2013 has been the significant rise in collateral damage to its men in IOK(India Occupied
Kashmir). Although the actual number of clashes between forces and militants decreased,
the losses suffered by security forces increased compared to previous years. The military
attributes these losses to changing tactics of the militants especially their resort to
Fidayeen attacks.
The number of militants killed during 2015 was 63 compared to 119 during 2014. 35
Militants caused the deaths of at least 61 armed personnel, and 15 civilians during 2013.
During 2011 and 2012 the number of armed forces casualties was 47. Ironically the
overall violence in IOK was actually at its lowest level since 2002, but fatalities
involving Indian security force personnel witnessed a dramatic increase. According to the
Army, mostly unemployed youth are being lured into militancy. However, the ruling
People’s Democratic Party feels even government employees and educated youth are now
joining militant groups. Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah blamed the Centre’s
politics for “radicalisation” of the Kashmiri youth. Many others blamed the state
government of joining hands with BJP for the increase in the militant recruitment. The
rise to power of Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014
has exacerbated the already fragile situation in IOK. Modi announced, “a radical
restructuring of the relationship between Kashmir and the rest of India,” whereby it seeks
to repeal article 370 and also repatriate 100,000 Hindus who were expelled from IOK
during the early 1990s.

Tension also increased after a court upheld a law prohibiting the slaughter of cows in
IOK. As a result separatist groups in the state put out a call asking people to slaughter
cows instead of the traditional sheep and goats even as some leaders urged people not to
hurt religious sentiments. The pursuit of such policies by the BJP government is further
alienating the disenchanted masses Journal of Strategic Affairs and resulting in more
locals joining militant organisations.

The preceding paragraphs show a pattern: a lot of techniques and technologies have
found productive testing grounds before being brought into Kashmir. Due to unforeseen
circumstances, some have succeeded while others have failed. While the success or
CHAPTER 02

Motivation to Join Militancy

Literature, films, documentaries, and fiery lectures by people like Maulana Masood
Azhar, who specialise in indoctrinating young minds, inspire the educated youth. A
vision and path for a Pan-Islamic movement, as well as its goals, are outlined. To
persuade the youth of the enormity and authenticity of the movement, recorded lectures
by Osama bin Laden and Pakistani fundamentalist leaders are played. ISI officers visit
training centers to indoctrinate and disseminate false information about India's kafirs.
Money, name, and fame continue to be powerful motivators. It's also become a tool for
people to get work and support their families. In the village, the family of a militant is
honored. Some of the youths who have turned to militancy are from poor households,
have had a difficult childhood, and face a grim future. A village's youth are more
vulnerable to terrorism the more fundamentalist it is. Many people join terrorist
organisations in order to ensure their survival after death. They believe that if they
embrace martyrdom while fighting for jihad, they will be hugged by 72 houries (fairies)
in heaven. For the most part, this appears to be a powerful motivator. Money is
significant to a few others. They join militancy and then surrender once they have enough
money to launch a profitable business. Terrorists have guarantees from the government
that if they surrender, no action will be taken against them. It's a win-win situation for
both parties. Another reason why some young people join militancy is their love for girls.
There have been numerous occasions where guys have become militants in order to
impress their girlfriends or for a young man to attract the attention of a girl who would
otherwise reject his overtures. These young people believe that if they become terrorists,
they will be recognised as heroes.

Psychology of Militancy
Various authors have attempted to decipher the militants' psyche and the psychology that
underpins militancy. All of the interpretations urge us to provide an explanation for this
phenomena. However, one thing is certain: no single theoretical framework can
adequately describe this complicated phenomenon.

Some, such as Crenshaw (1990), consider militancy as a purposeful, conscious decision

made by a group. Others, such as Post (1990), believed in the psychodynamic aspect and
said that a militant had narcissistic wounds as a child, implying that the self is unable to
integrate its own good and terrible parts. The unpleasant elements, the loathed and
undervalued aspects of the individual's mind are projected onto others. Sprinzak (1990)
addressed this occurrence in terms of underlying group dynamics rather than individual
psychology. He believes there are three stages to the formation of militant dynamics. First
and foremost, there is a crisis of faith in the existing political system. The system's
legitimacy is then questioned. Not only the leaders, but the system as a whole is
perceived as manipulating. Individuals and society associated with the existing system
are eventually depersonalized and dehumanized. Dehumanization enables for the
commission of crimes. Joining a militant organization can provide relief to an isolated
person, making them more inclined to consent to participate in crimes. The Oslo
Congress in July 2003 concluded some of the possible factors leading to the emergence
of militancy in a society, which mainly are socio-political in nature.

The Oslo congress concluded that Lack of democracy, civil liberties and the rule of law is
a precondition for many forms of domestic militancy; Failed or weak states lack the
capacity or will to exercise territorial control and maintain a monopoly of violence; Rapid
modernization correlate strongly with the emergence of ideological terrorism; Extreme
ideologies of a secular or religious nature are at least an intermediate cause of terrorism;
Historical antecedents of political violence, civil wars, revolutions, dictatorships or
occupation may lower the threshold for acceptance of political violence and terrorism;
Hegemony and inequality of powers; Illegitimate or corrupt governments; Powerful
external factors upholding illegitimate governments; Repression by foreign occupation or
colonial powers; The experience of discrimination on the basis of ethnic or religious
origin; Failure or unwillingness by the state to integrate dissident groups or emerging
social classes; The experience of social injustice; Triggering events like outrageous act
committed by the enemy, lost wars, massacres, contested elections, police brutality, that
call for revenge or action can be the factors of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
CHAPTER 03

Psychosocial Causes of Militancy

The ambitions and goals of militants, the core causes of militancy, and the form of
militant attacks are all explored in psychosocial theories of militancy. Despite various
attempts to comprehend the Ecological essence of militancy, little has been learned about
its causes, effects, motivations, ideology, organisation, tactics, and escalation. More study
and psychoanalysis are needed to investigate the militant mind-set and causes of
militancy more thoroughly and methodically.

Relative Deprivation Theory of Militancy

The theory of relative deprivation is based on the idea that how socio-political conditions
and situations influence how people behave and live in a certain context. According to
this theory, societies (countries) that obstruct natural, normal, and equitable expression
and growth see more uprisings, militant movements, revolt, violence, and terrorists than
democratic and welfare societies. As a result, neither poverty nor illiteracy/ignorance are
causes of violence and militancy. Furthermore, it disproves the theory that militants or
suicide bombers suffer from psychopathologies, because terrorist acts have always been
witnessed in a group form of activity.

As M. Bilal (2009:2-3) argues: “Terrorism actually operates in a goaldirected capacity

rather than a pathological one…the goal-directed nature of terrorism necessitates that its
participants act in a rational, rather than a pathological, manner when committing to
political violence”.
The Narcissistic Rage Hypothesis
Narcissistic Rage Hypothesis attempts to comprehend and illustrate terrorism. This
concept of Narcissist-terrorism linkage was first introduced by Morf in 1970, and then
discussed and advanced by other social psychologists.

The argument of The Narcissistic Rage Hypothesis is that militant behaviour is an

outcome of personality defect, which produces a destroyed and broken sense of self or
selfness. It is a kind of disease in which the affected overvalues him while devalues and
underestimates others. Such traits are the main instinct of militants.

According to this theory, if the Ecological form of the "grandiose self" is not
counterbalanced, this trait results in individuals who are sociopathic, arrogant, and
uncaring of others. Similarly, if the "idealised parental ego's" Ecological shape is not
counterbalanced, it can lead to a state of helpless defeatism, and narcissistic defeat can
lead to wrath and a desire to destroy the source of narcissistic harm in conjunction with
something powerful. These Ecological mechanisms are seen in people who have had a
specific sort of Ecological injury in their childhood, known as narcissistic injury.

In the words of Crayton (1983) any humiliating counter action against the terrorist can
prove counterproductive because terrorists’ activities stem from sense of low self-esteem
and humiliation.

Social Learning & Social Cognitive Theory

Social learning theory is basically an invention of Albert Bandura who gives the notion of
reciprocal determinism. This idea states that an individual’s observation, personality
characteristics and socio-cultural settings also have a potential influence on his or her
own behaviours.
In light of this hypothesis, the Ecological experimental literature on violence and
aggression suggests that both internal and external elements (environment / situations)
might influence one's perceptions, resulting in provocations or intentional behaviour
(behaviour). According to Crenshaw (1981), social cognition theory applies to both
militants and their organisations. She observes that militants' transactions are based on a
skewed view of the world rather than an objective understanding. They use their thinking
and attitudes to sort out their understanding and opinions on the social and political
environment, drawing on their experiences and memories.

Literature Review

According to a recent report from the United States, terror attacks in India increased
during the epidemic year. Jammu and Kashmir, with 257 occurrences (37.8%),
Chhattisgarh, with 145 incidents (21.4%), and Jharkhand, with 69 incidents, were the
states in India that witnessed the most terror incidents, according to US data (10.2 percent
). Statistics show that the attacks on Indian security forces increased by 2,000 percent in
1990, with 1,098 incidents of violence recorded in that year, compared to 49 in 1989. In
subsequent years, attacks on the forces increased progressively, with 5,500 of them
witnessed during 1991 and 1992. In 1991 alone, 2,000 incidents of violence against
Indian forces were reported; the number increased to 3,413 in 1992, the highest recorded
in J&K. From 1993 onwards, the number of attacks on security forces gradually
decreased and came down to 806 attacks in 2005.

Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs of India shows that by 2012, the number of
incidents was down to 220, marking a drastic shift in J&K.According to figures from the
Union Home Ministry, 244 terror acts occurred in J&K in 2020. On March 23, this year,
the government presented this information to Parliament. According to the Centre, since
the nullification of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, terror events in J&K have decreased,
and key terror networks in the Valley have been eliminated by security personnel.

N.S Jamwal in his paper “Terrorists' Modus Operandi in Jammu and Kashmir” looked
into some of the facets of terrorism that helped it to continue despite the overwhelming
presence of security forces in the state. He found that militants’ capability to recuperate is
boosted by the favorable terrain, public support and vastness of the area as these give
them the advantage to disperse and reassemble at places of their choice. In 2018, Asad
Tamizuddin Nizami, Tariq Mahmood Hassan, and others, in their paper “Terrorism in
Pakistan: the psychosocial context and why it matters” explained the psychosocial
perspective of terrorism in Pakistan that leads to violent radicalisation. This perspective
identifies the terrorist acts in the background of Pakistan's history, current geopolitical
and social scenario. Their findings may also act as a guide on addressing this core issue.

John G. Horgan in his paper, “Psychology of Terrorism: Introduction to the Special Issue”
claimed that neither Ecological nor other study has identified characteristics specific to
persons who become involved in terrorism, nor has it demonstrated the presence of
distinct paths into (and out of) terrorism. Though terrorist profiles exist in a broad sense,
no Ecological profile that is significant (i.e., has predictive validity) has been discovered
within or across groups. Terrorist groups' makeup is unique for its diversity. It's difficult
to characterise terrorism as a manifestation of mental illness. It may appear, at the very
least, to minimise the social and political framework in which terrorism thrives while
simultaneously obscuring the terrorist's Ecological growth with unjustified and
misleading ideological baggage.

But despite all the resulting attention paid to the region, the existing literature on Jammu
and Kashmir lacks a Ecological and sociological dimension. This sort of analysis is
important because it reveals that competing concepts of nationalism and factionalism,
exacerbated by ideas of religious fundamentalism, are at the root of the political chaos.

CHAPTER 05

Methodology

This is a qualitative interpretive study that relies both on primary and secondary sources.
Some veterans who served in Jammu and Kashmir were also interviewed while on duty.
This is the primary data source. The content analysis approach is used to evaluate and
interpret the primary qualitative data obtained for this study. Individual interviews with
the veterans were done. The interviews were semi-structured and conducted over the
phone. The secondary sources included scholarly articles, books, and reports. Moreover,
the data comes from the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), which has information on
militant attacks during the last ten years.

Objectives

● To study the pattern of Terrorists attack in Jammu and Kashmir

CHAPTER 06

Results and Interpretation

1. Militants usually target CRPF and Police most of the time. What do you think is
the reason behind this nature of militants?

Parameters Inder Amit Mohender Manoj Bhup Kundan Avininder

Size of force 1 1 1 1 - - -
Location of 1 1 1 1 - - -
duty
Salience/easy 1 1 1 1 - - 1
availability
Negative - 1 1 - - - -
mindset
Puppet - - 1 - 1 - -
Creation of - - - - - 1 -
fear

The respondents has clearly mentioned by their personal experiences as shown above that
the ultimate target is to create fear and a sense of insecurity due to the presence of the
security forces in the areas of the citizens. The terrorist group are mainly having negative
mindset due to they being brainwashed with misinformation and becoming a puppets in
their leaders. The attack of the security forces depends on the size of the force present at
the locations which are easier for the attackers.

“Militants work on single motive of causing damage and killing people and they try to do
it every way possible.”

“Militants frequently target CRPF and Police because they are the security officers who
have encounters with them on a regular basis, and they feel CRPF and Police are the
ones who are causing them difficulties.”
2. When do you think militants attack most of the time?

Parameters Inder Amit Mohende Manoj Bhup Kundan Avininder

r
Any time 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Motive is 1 1 - - - - -
damage
Night is - 1 - - - - -
difficult but
we overcome
Vulnerable - - 1 1 1 1 1
(convoy on
move)

The attack of the security forces are unspecified time as it may happen any moments and
the most commonly found at night due to the advantage of the dark. Also during the
movement of convoy the attacks are also stated to be most prominent.
“There is not any specific time at during militants attack. Whenever they get chance they
try to attack and kill as many security personnel as possible”
“Militants can attack anytime. They do not care whether its night or day”

3. Which season militants choose most of the time to attack?

Parameters Inder Amit Mohende Manoj Bhup Kundan Avininder

r
Summer is 1 1 1 - 1 - 1
more
No specific 1 1 - 1 - - 1
season

The season for attacks are also not specified however its been stated to be most common
during summers as the winters are harsh and covered with snow making it difficult for
attack.

“Ummm, militant attacks most during summer, because snow covers most of the area
during winters it hinders mobility of the militants in the cities.”
“Most of the attacks occur during summer but it does not mean that militants do not
attack during winter”

4. Which area do militants attack most of the time?

Parameters Inder Amit Mohende Manoj Bhup Kundan Avininder

r
Unspecified 1 1 - 1
areas
High density 1 1 -
area
Target 1 -
availability
Ultimate 1 -
target is
causing
damage
The areas for attacks are also unspecified but they are found to target densely populated
areas as they intend to cause maximum damage and also the availability of the target is
also an important factor for attack.

“There not any specific areas which militants choose to attack”

“There are no specified places. You never know when you'll be thrown a grenade or when
militants will start shooting at you.”

5. Do attacks occur near LoC or far from LoC?

Parameters Inder Amit Mohende Manoj Bhup Kundan Avininder

r
Terrorist 1 - - - - - -
attack Near
LOC
Away 1 1 1 1 1 1 -
fromLOc by
Militants
Attacks are stated to be mostly away from LoC due to the higher population density for
which their ultimate target of causing fear can be achieved.

“The thing is terrorists attaack near LoC, while militant attacks occur away from LoC.”

“Militants usually attack away from LoC, because the concentration of people living is
high in the areas away from LoC”

6.What do you think goes inside a militant's mind, when they attack people? Do they
choose their target randomly or do they plan their attacks in advance?

Parameters Inder Amit Mohende Manoj Bhup Kundan Avininder

r
Misinformed 1 1 - - 1 -
Collect all 1 1 - - 1
details of
target
Specified 1 1 - 1 1
target
“Militants are brain washed by people operating militant groups....They believe that they
are doing the work of God.”

“Only thing i could say is they are brainwashed. They are made to believe what they are
doing is totally right in every way...”

Discussion

Innate variables, biological elements, early developmental factors, cognitive aspects,

temperament, environmental influences, and group dynamics are all likely to play a role
in militancy. Individual militants, individual groups, and types of groupings are likely to
differ in the degree to which each of these elements contributes to a given incident.
Theories that suggest one of these elements has a greater influence than the others are
premature because no studies have looked at more than one or two of these aspects in
depth, let alone empirically tested one while controlling for the others.

Militants come from a wide range of ecological backgrounds. Every militant, like every
individual, is motivated by his unique complex of psychological experiences and
features, regardless of his declared goals or group of identity. Militants belonging to
distinct Ecological subtypes are likely to have diverse behavioural tendencies. It's
possible, but not proven, that different sorts of militancy attract people with different
temperaments in different ways. Future research should focus on identifying the most
common Ecological types among militants in various political groups, as well as the
relationship between psychological types, individual roles in the group, and usual
responses to limitations.
In this paper it was found that the ultimate goal, as evidenced by the respondents'
personal experiences, is to instil fear and a sense of insecurity in individuals as a result of
the presence of security forces in their neighbourhoods. The terrorists have a negative
mindset as a result of being brainwashed with false information and becoming pawns of
their leaders. Psychosocial theories of militancy look at militants' ambitions and goals,
the root causes of militancy, and the types of militant attacks. Despite a number of
attempts to understand the ecological nature of militancy, little is known about its causes,
impacts, motivations, ideology, organisation, tactics, and escalation. To analyse the
militant mind-set and causes of militancy more thoroughly and methodically, further
research and psychoanalysis are required.

The information collected after interviewing veterans was analyzed and it was found that
that the ultimate goal is to instil fear and insecurity in citizens. Militants have a negative
mindset primarily because they have been brainwashed with misinformation and have
become puppets in the hands of their leaders. The size of the security force present at
locations that are easier for attackers to attack determines the size of the security force
attack. This is the reason they attack CRPF and Police most of the time. Another finding
was that the size of the security force present at sites where attackers have an easier time
is a factor in the security forces' attacks.

The time of a militant attacks is unknown because it can occur at any time, however they
are most usually observed at night because to the advantage of the darkness. Attacks are
also said to be particularly prevalent during convoy travel. The season for attacks is also
unknown, however it is said to be most common during the summers because the winters
are severe and covered in snow, making attack harder.

The veterans' interview provided a mixed picture of militants' motivations for joining
militancy or engaging in militant attacks. Many young people have joined militancy to
fight jihad, according to research. Money, name, and fame remain powerful motivators. It
has also evolved into a tool for people to find work and support their families. The family
of a militant is honoured in the village. Some of the young people who have turned to
militancy come from low-income families, had a difficult childhood, and face a bleak
future. The more fundamentalist a village, the more vulnerable its youth are to terrorism.
If none of these are sufficient motivators, fear takes over.

After analysing the data, it was determined that a variety of retaliatory responses,
including hostility, violence, and militancy, occurred because of frustration. Ordinary
people are deprived not only of their right to strengthen in society, but also of the means
to strengthen, rendering them unable to respond to impediments. This suffocation is the
result of a powerful party in society or an established system that controls the entire
situation. Individuals or groups who are poor, marginalised, and dissatisfied try to express
their dissatisfaction and annoyance in this scenario.

Militant behaviour is the result of a personality flaw that results in a destroyed and
broken sense of self or selfness. It is a type of disease in which the affected person
overvalues himself while devaluing and undervaluing others. Militants' primary instinct is
to exhibit such characteristics.

This study demonstrate a pattern, many techniques and technologies have found useful
testing grounds before being introduced into Kashmir. Some have succeeded while others
have failed due to unforeseen circumstances. While the success or failure of a given
technique cannot be predicted, regional trends can be used to forecast what the Valley's
next big thing will be. The use of loitering munition and drone swarms is the next big
thing, as seen in the Jammu and Kashmir conflict. Despite the high cost of loitering
munition and the need for a suitable delivery platform, drone swarms in their most
primitive and manually operated form can be deployed against static security sites in the
near future. Indian security personnel must keep this in mind as they search for the next
big threat in the Valley.

Limitations

While this study has produced useful insights into the psychosocial and Ecological
origins of militancy, it should be highlighted that it has limits. Because the study was
limited to Jammu and Kashmir, the findings should be interpreted with caution, even if
they are likely to be relevant and applicable to other developing countries. As a result,
more research can be done to better understand the multidimensional character and
pattern of militant strikes in various circumstances. Furthermore, research of this sort are
always vulnerable to the potential that a small number of unmeasured confounding
variables are responsible for the observed results. Future research could build on this
study's findings by integrating more variables that may influence the reported outcomes.
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Proviolence, Vile World, and Divine Power. Psychological Assessment, 22(1), 70–86.
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Afzal, A. Reign of Terror: The Indian State and Militancy in Jammu & Kashmir. Journal
of Strategic Affairs.

Trivedi, J. (2004). Terrorism and Mental Health.

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Multidisciplinary Research and Development.

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Intervention, 6(2), 147–153. https://doi.org/10.1097/wtf.0b013e328307eeb3

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Transcript

Veteran 01

Interviewer: Hello, Am I talking to Mr. Inder Kumar?

Inder Kumar: Yes and who am I speaking with?

Interviewer: I am Abhinav Arya. I got your number from Manoj Arya, he is my father.
He told me you served in Jammu & Kashmir for some time.

Inder Kumar: Okay okay. Yes i did spend time in Kashmir.

Interviewer: So i am in final year of my graduation and i need people like you for the
same. I just need answers to some questions on militancy. Can you help me with them?

Inder Kumar: Yeah sure, why not?

Interviewer: The first question is: Militants usually target CRPF and Police most of the
time. What do you think is the reason behind this nature of militants?

Inder Kumar: In cities, the CRPF and police operate in small units, whilst other security
forces operate in large groupings. Militants take advantage of the situation and target
police and the CRPF. Also, army remains at the border and tackle firing from terrorists
and pakistani forces so they have little encounter with militants so it becomes difficult for
militants to attack them. It does not mean that militants do not attack them at all.
Militants work on single motive of causing damage and kiling people and they try to do it
every way possible.

Interviewer: Oh okay. Understood. Next question is, When do you think militants attack
most of the time?

Inder Kumar: There is not any specific time at during militants attack. Whenever they
get chance they try to attack and kill as many security personnel as possible. They do not
see whether it is day or night, their main focus is to cause damage. The leaders of militant
groups make sure the people they train do not fear and are ready to attack everytime the
situation demands. Leaders brainwash youth to turn them into militants after which they
start following their leaders.

Interviewer: Alright. Which season militants choose most of the time to attack?

Inder Kumar: Ummm, militant attacks most during summer, because snow covers most
of the area during winters it hinders mobility of the militants in the cities. Hence, less
number of attacks during winter and more attacks during summer. See, militants do not
really see what time of the year it is, if they believe they can execute their plan they won’t
stop attacking even in winters none the less summers.

Interviewer: Makes sense. Another question is, Which area do militants attack most of
the time?

Inder Kumar: There not any specific areas which militants choose to attack. Baramulla,
Kupwara, Budgam and many more are the districts that militants choose to attack. Also,
militants are infamous for damaging both government and private properties. Many
investors who made investments in Jammu and Kashmir suffered great loss because
militants won’t let them establish industries and won’t let them develop the state.
Interviewer: Do attacks occur near LoC or far from LoC?

Inder Kumar: The thing is terrorists attack near LoC, while militant attacks occur away
from LoC.

Interviewer: As you mentioned, the Army operates in large formations, but militants
operate in tiny units, which is why militants prefer to operate in areas away from the Line
of Control. Right?

Inder Kumar: Yes absolutely.

Interviewer: Okay understood. What do you think goes inside a militant's mind, when
they attack people? Do they choose their target randomly or do they plan their attacks in
advance?

Inder Kumar: Militants are brain washed by people operating militant groups. They are
told that different things about Islam, Hindus, Indian Government, and many more things
that are sufficient to change the mind of a sane person. They believe that they are doing
the work of God. And yes they do plan attacks in advance. They gather even the smallest
details about their target and attack accordingly.

Interviewer: Okay Sir, these were questions I needed answers to. Thank you so much for
time and cooperation. Also, can you share the contact details of some of your colleagues
who can help me with my project?

Inder Kumar: Yeah sure, I will send them over Whatsapp.

Interviewer: Thank you again Sir.

Inder Kumar: Its alright.

Veteran 02

Interviewer: Hello, Am I talking to Mr. Amit Sharma?

Inder Kumar: Yes speaking.

Interviewer: I am Abhinav Arya. I got your number from Manoj Arya, he is my father.
He told me you served in Jammu & Kashmir for some time.

Amit Sharma: Manoj Arya?

Interviewer: Yes, Manoj Arya from Baghpat (U.P).

Amit Sharma: Okay.

Interviewer: I am his son. I am in final year of my graduation and i am doing a project

on Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. My father told me you could help me by answering
some questions on militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amit Sharma: Okay will do. What are the questions though?

Interviewer: The questions are related to militants, their nature of attacks, the psyche
behind their attacks etc.

Amit Sharma: Okay.

Interviewer: First question is, Militants usually target CRPF and Police most of the time.
What do you think is the reason behind this nature of militants?
Amit Sharma: Militants frequently target CRPF and Police because they are the security
officers who have encounters with them on a regular basis, and they feel CRPF and
Police are the ones who are causing them difficulties. They are brainwashed in such a
way that they start believing that indian forces, indian government is their enemy. Not
only Police and CRPF, militants do not hesitate killing and causing problems to locals.

Interviewer: Got it. Next question is: When do you think militants attack most of the
time?

Amit Sharma: Militants can attack anytime. They do not care whether its night or day.
They plan according to their target and proceed with their plan. No matter what time they
attack they know they will not be able to get out of the place alive. At night it becomes a
little difficult for security forces to find and identify militants. But nothing stops security
forces from capturing militants.

Interviewer: Okay, Which season militants choose most of the time to attack?

Amit Sharma: Most of the attacks occur during summer but it does not mean that
militants do not attack during winter.

Interviewer: Noted. Another question is: Which area do militants attack most of the
time?

Amit Sharma: There are no specified places. You never know when you'll be thrown a
grenade or when militants will start shooting at you. Jammu and Kashmir is highly
unpredictable you never know what can happen next, you just have to be ready for every
situation the state throws at you. It is indeed an adventurous ride where the stakes are
very high and you know what are the stakes.
Interviewer: Okay. Do attacks occur near LoC or far from LoC?

Amit Sharma: Militants usually attack away from LoC, because the concentration of
people living is high in the areas away from LoC. People think they will be safe if they
reside far from LoC but like I mentioned before anything can happen in Jammu and
Kashmir. Initially, security forces had to fight only terrorists but now the militants have
made the situation worse.

Interviewer: The last question: What do you think goes inside a militant's mind, when
they attack people? Do they choose their target randomly or do they plan their attacks in
advance?

Amit Sharma: You cannot tell what exactly goes inside a militant’s mind. There can be
different answers to this question. Only thing i could say is they are brainwashed. They
are made to believe what they are doing is totally right in every way and those who stand
in their way must be killed. Militants plan their attacks beforehand, and then and only
then they attack people.

Interviewer: Thank you so much Sir, These were the questions I needed answers to. I
really appreciate you being this cooperative.

Amit Sharma. You are welcome.

Veteran 03

Interviewer: Hello, Am I talking to Mr. Manoj Kumar?

Manoj Kumar: Yes.

Interviewer: I am Abhinav Arya. I got your number from Inder Kumar. He told me you
served in Jammu & Kashmir for some time.

Manoj Kumar: I dont understand. Also, Inder Kumar?

Interviewer: I am Abhinav Arya and I am a final year student at University of Delhi. I

am doing a project on militancy in jammu and kashmir. And for that i need your help in
answering some questions.

Manoj Kumar: Okay but let me confirm this with Inder Kumar Sharma.

Interviewer: Okay, take your time.

Manoj Kumar: Okay Mr. Abhinav I am in.

Interviewer: Thank you Sir, The first question is: Militants usually target CRPF and
Police most of the time. What do you think is the reason behind this nature of militants?

Manoj Kumar: CRPF and Police reside among the people and they move in small
groups. They are the perfect target for militants. Militants attack when police and CRPF
are not expecting them to attack, but our security forces are capable enough to counter
every attack militants do.

Interviewer: Okay got it. Next question: When do you think militants attack most of the
time?

Manoj Kumar: Miltants attack when their target is the most vulnerable. They attack
when the security forces are either off duty or moving from one place to another. They do
not see what time of day it is they keep track of the times when their target is most
vulnerable and then they strike. There attacks can occur any time you just need to
prepared for everything and anything.

Interviewer: Alright understood. Which season militants choose most of the time to
attack?

Manoj Kumar: Any season. Whenever they think this is the right time they attack but
our security forces are always ready to tackle and even sabotage their plans.

Interviewer: Okay, Which area do militants attack most of the time?

Manoj Kumar: Militants launch an attack on the presence of their intended victim. They
will attack if their victim is present in a location or area.

Interviewer: Makes sense. What do you think Do attacks occur near LoC or far from
LoC?

Manoj Kumar: Militant attacks?

Interviewer: Yes.

Manoj Kumar: Away from LoC.

Interviewer: Okay sir this the last questiuon: What do you think goes inside a militant's
mind, when they attack people? Do they choose their target randomly or do they plan
their attacks in advance?
Manoj Kumar: Militants are brainwashed people. They are given fake assurance and
support by their leaders. They are promised things that do not even exist. Everything goes
according a plan. A plan is made with every possible detail keeping in mind the target.

Interviewer: What about their targets?

Manoj Kumar: Yes, the targets. They pick their targets; there is no randomness in who
they attack and who they don't.

Interviewer: Alright sir, i got everything i needed. Thank you for your time and
cooperation.

Veteran 04
Interviewer: Hello, Am I talking to Mr. Mohender?

Mohender: Yes and who am i speaking with?

Interviewer: I am Abhinav Arya. I got your number from Inder Kumar. He told me you
served in Jammu & Kashmir for some time.

Mohender: Inder Kumar Sharma?

Interviewer: Yes yes.

Mohender: What is happening?

Interviewer: I am Abhinav Arya and I am a final year student at University of Delhi. I
am doing a project on militancy in jammu and kashmir. And for that i need your help in
answering some questions.

Mohender: Okay.

Interviewer: Can we start?

Mohender: Yeah.

Interviewer: Militants usually target CRPF and Police most of the time. What do you
think is the reason behind this nature of militants?

Mohender: Attacking CRPF and Police is more feasible to militants. This is the reason
that they attack CRPF and Police most of the time. They throw grenades and start firing
at CRPF and Police while riding bikes or driving in a car. In jammu and kashmir you can
see police at almost every corner and it is necessary otherwise militant attacks will occur
more frequently. Militants actually do not think of their own, they do not have their own
mindset. They are puppets who work as their leaders say.

Interviewer: Okay sir. When do you think militants attack most of the time?

Mohender: Militants might strike whenever they sense an opening. They could toss a
grenade at a moving convoy or open fire on police or CRPF members. Their attacks are
unpredictably unexpected.

Interviewer: Noted. Which season militants choose most of the time to attack?

Mohender: Most attacks occur during summer.

Interviewer: Okay. Which area do militants attack most of the time?

Mohender: Most of the time attacks occur in the cities with high density of population as
attacking these places militants can cause more damage.

Interviewer: Do militant attacks occur near LoC or far from LoC?

Mohender: Away from LoC.

Interviewer: Okay sir. So we are at our last question. What do you think goes inside a
militant's mind, when they attack people? Do they choose their target randomly or do
they plan their attacks in advance?

Mohender: I do not think there is anything that goes inside a militant’s mind except “this
is my target and I am going to kill it”. They are very specific about their targets and plan
their attacks in advance. They are mere puppets of the leaders of the militant groups.
Militants have no conscience, they do not have the ability to distinguish between right
and wrong and merely work on orders by their leaders. They do not fear death so you can
not even at what level these people are brainwashed.

Interviewer: Thank you so much sir that’s all I need from you. I really appreciate your
cooperation.

Mohender: Okay then.

Veteran 05
Inteviewer: Hello, Am I talking to Mr.Bhup singh?

Bhup Singh: Yes. Who are you?

Interviewer: I am Abhinav Arya. I got your number from Inder Kumar. He told me you
served in Jammu & Kashmir for some time.

Bhup Singh: As per now I am not Kashmir but i did spend some time there.

Interviewer: Sir, I am a final year student at University of Delhi. I am doing a project on

militancy in jammu and kashmir. And for that I need your help in answering some
questions.

Bhup Singh: Okay.

Interviewer: Can we start?

Bhup Singh: Yes yes.

Interviewer: Okay Sir, Militants usually target CRPF and Police most of the time. What
do you think is the reason behind this nature of militants?

Bhup Singh: Militants attack everybody. There is no saying that they attack only CRPF
and Police.

Interviewer: Actually sir, i collected data on militant attacks of the last 10 years and it
says most of the attacks are targeted towards CRPF and Police.
Bhup Singh: See, there is a possibility that this might have happened but the reason, you
cannot say. Nevertheless, militants work on the principle of killing as much people as
possible and causing trouble for the security forces.

Interviewer: Understood. Next question: When do you think militants attack most of the
time?

Bhup Singh: When they think security personnel are not paying attention. But the
security forces are always attentive and this is the reason most of militants’ plans fail and
they are either killed or captured by security forces.

Interviewer: Alright. Which season militants choose most of the time to attack?

Bhup Singh: At Kashmir winters are severe so it becomes difficult for militants to attack
so I would say most of the attacks occur in summer. Militants do not really care they are
filled hatred that is enough to provide them heat even during severe winters.

Interviewer: Okay. Which area do militants attack most of the time?

Bhup Singh: CRPF and Police keep moving from place to place. Where there are people
in Jammu and Kashmir militants atttack. So you cannot say anything rigid about the
places they target. Attacks totally depend on the presence of people. After all their main
goal is to kill and cause damage to human life.

Interviewer: Understood Sir. Another question: Do attacks occur near LoC or far from
LoC?

Bhup Singh: Attacks near LoC are caused by Pakistani Forces or foreign terrorists.
Militants usually choose places inside LoC.
Interviewer: We are done to last question: What do you think goes inside a militant's
mind, when they attack people? Do they choose their target randomly or do they plan
their attacks in advance?

Bhup Singh: Understanding militant’s mind is quite a task. You cannot exactly say what
do they think. While attacking they do not care about their life or anything. Also, religion
plays an important role in their life, they think they are god’s work by killing innocents or
say hindus. “Jihad” is what they believe in and are willing to kill or die for it. You need to
understand this religious group is not trustworthy.

Interviewer: Okay Sir understood. And what about their targets do they choose them
randomly or do they plan their attacks in advance?

Bhup Singh: Sometimes the attacks are random and sometimes the attacks are planned.

Interviewer: We are done Sir. Thank you so much for your time and cooperation.

Veteran 06

Interviewer: Hello, Am I talking to Mr. Kundan?

Kundan: Yes.

Interviewer: I'm Abhinav Arya. Inder Kumar gave me your phone number. He informed
me that you spent some time in Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm a final-year University of
Delhi student. I'm working on a project about militancy in Kashmir and Jammu. And in
order to do so, I'll need your assistance in answering a few questions.

Kundan: Where are you from?

Interviewer: I am from Baghpat (U.P). Currently, I am living in Delhi. Inder Kumar
from Durbha gave me your contact details.

Kundan: What do you want from me?

Interviewer: I just need to ask some questions from you. It will hardly take 5 minutes.

Kundan: Okay. You may ask.

Interviewer: Thank you. First question is: Militants usually target CRPF and Police most
of the time. What do you think is the reason behind this nature of militants?

Kundan: The CRPF's major responsibility is to aid police operations in maintaining

peace and order and combating militancy. Every day, the CRPF and police deal with
extremists; without them, there would be no law and order. And militants have a problem
with law and order, which may explain why militants frequently attack the CRPF and
police.

Interviewer: Understood. When do you think militants attack most of the time?

Kundan: They attack while convoys are moving from one location to another since
security personnel's attention is diverted at that time, allowing militants to carry out their
nefarious plans.

Interviewer: Noted. Which season militants choose most of the time to attack?

Kundan: I do not see any difference in number of attacks. Militants attack both during
summer as well as winter.
Interviewer: Alright. Which area do militants attack most of the time?

Kundan: There are certain districts where attacks occur most of the time. They include
Kupwara, Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Bandipora and many more.

Interviewer: Do attacks occur near LoC or far from LoC?

Kundan: Ummm, most of the militant attacks occur in districts, which means the attacks
are not at LoC or near LoC.

Interviewer: Last question, What do you think goes inside a militant's mind, when they
attack people? Do they choose their target randomly or do they plan their attacks in
advance?

Kundan: When militants attack, they think: they will be revered; people will fear them
and obey their orders until they have completed the objective at hand.They have no
sorrow or sense of guilt when killing or attacking, and they have no remorse or sense of
guilt afterward. They are dedicated to assassinating as many people as possible. Before
assaulting, they establish plans and designate their targets. All this is only possible when
they are brainwashed on such a level that we cannot even imagine.

Interviewer: Thank you so much Sir. That’s all i need from you.

Kundan: Alright.

Veteran 07

Interviewer: Hello, Am I talking to Mr. Avininder?

Avininder: Yes and who am I speaking with?

Interviewer: I'm Abhinav Arya. Inder Kumar gave me your phone number. He informed
me that you spent some time in Jammu and Kashmir. And I'm a final-year University of
Delhi student. I'm working on a project about militancy in Kashmir and Jammu. And in
order to do so, I'll need your assistance in answering a few questions.

Avininder: Inder Kumar Sharma right?

Interviewer: Yes. He is from Durbha.

Avininder: Yeah. Got it.

Interviewer: Can we begin?

Avininder: Yeah sure.

Interviewer: So the first question is: Militants usually target CRPF and Police most of
the time. What do you think is the reason behind this nature of militants?

Avininder: Militants target CRPF and Police becuase they are the ones who from time to
time subotage their plans. CRPF and Police are significant bodies that has prevented we
do not know how many attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. So understanding that CRPF and
militants are targeted most of the time is not surprising.

Interviewer: Makes sense. Next question: When do you think militants attack most of
the time?

Avininder: Whenever they feel their plan has more chance of succeeding. They keep
themselves updated with the whereabouts of their targets and attack accordingly. Now a
days they hands on the technology so it becomes more easy for them track down targets
and places to attack.

Interviewer: Which season militants choose most of the time to attack?

Avininder: Like i mentioned before militants do not care what season, what time, what
place. They just wait for the right oppotunity and as soon as they get one they strike.

Interviewer: Okay. Which area do militants attack most of the time?

Avininder: It is hard to tell yet there are some places where attacks occur more often.
Places where majority of hindus reside, police stations, CRPF bunkers and even army
convoys are the major areas militants attack.

Interviewer: Do attacks occur near LoC or far from LoC?

Avininder: Attacks are more concentrated towards the places where people live. So it
can be said that attacks occur far from LoC.

Interviewer: We are almost done. This is the last question, What do you think goes
inside a militant's mind, when they attack people? Do they choose their target randomly
or do they plan their attacks in advance?

Avininder: Okay. The problem is that pinpointing exactly what goes on inside a
militant's mind is extremely difficult. Every militant develops his or her own philosophy.
Some may believe they are doing everything they can to make this place a better place to
live, while others may engage in militancy in order to carry out "jihad," and some
militants may kill simply for the thrill of it. As a result, getting the correct answer
becomes extremely unlikely. However, it should be remembered that they plot every
attack and meticulously follow their targets.
Interviewer: That’s all sir. Thank you so for your time and cooperation.

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