‘Overground’ workers got government jobs, real terror victims were hounded in J&K: L-G Manoj Sinha

Jammu & Kashmir, a region fraught with complex historical, political, and security challenges, has been a focal point of India's internal security concerns for decades. The recent statement by Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha, alleging that 'overground workers' (OGWs) secured government jobs while genuine terror victims were persecuted, sheds light on the deep-rooted issues that plagued the region, particularly during the peak of militancy. This assertion is made in the context of the abrogation of Article 370, which, according to the L-G, has empowered victims to speak out.

**Background Context:**

Jammu & Kashmir acceded to India in 1947, and Article 370 of the Constitution granted it special autonomous status. This article, along with Article 35A (introduced later via a Presidential Order), allowed J&K to have its own constitution, flag, and significant control over laws, except for defence, foreign affairs, and communication. While proponents argued it preserved J&K's unique identity, critics believed it fostered separatism, hindered development, and created a parallel power structure that could be exploited. The late 1980s saw the eruption of an armed insurgency, fueled by cross-border terrorism and local grievances. This period led to widespread violence, displacement, and the emergence of 'overground workers' – individuals who, without directly participating in armed combat, provide crucial logistical, financial, intelligence, and ideological support to militant groups. These OGWs often operate within civil society, sometimes even infiltrating government systems, making them an integral part of the terror ecosystem.

**What Happened:**

L-G Manoj Sinha's statement essentially posits a systemic failure and injustice in pre-August 2019 J&K. He claimed that the very individuals who aided terror outfits (OGWs) managed to secure government employment, possibly through influence or coercion, while the victims of terrorism and their families faced persecution, neglect, and a climate of fear. This situation, he argued, created a perverse incentive structure and further alienated those who suffered the most. The L-G highlighted that the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, has been a turning point, instilling 'new courage and self-confidence' in terror victims' families, enabling them to openly denounce the terror ecosystem without fear of reprisal. This suggests a perceived shift in the power dynamics and a more robust state response against such elements.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

1. **Government of India & J&K Administration (L-G):** The primary actor driving the narrative and policy changes. The L-G, as the administrative head of the Union Territory, represents the central government's vision for J&K, focusing on governance, security, and development.

2. **Terror Victims & Their Families:** The direct beneficiaries of the perceived change, now supposedly empowered to seek justice and speak out against terrorism. Their experiences are central to the L-G's argument.

3. **Overground Workers (OGWs) & Separatist Elements:** The alleged perpetrators of systemic injustice and facilitators of terrorism. The government's actions post-Article 370 are largely aimed at dismantling this network.

4. **Security Forces:** Crucial in maintaining law and order, counter-terrorism operations, and creating an environment where victims feel safe to speak.

5. **General Public of J&K:** Affected by both the past injustices and the current policy changes, their perception and cooperation are vital for long-term peace.

**Why This Matters for India:**

This issue holds immense significance for India's national security, governance, and the integration of J&K. Firstly, it underscores the government's commitment to dismantling the terror ecosystem, including its support structures within civil society and administration. Identifying and purging OGWs from government jobs is a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and preventing state resources from being misused. Secondly, it highlights a focus on justice for terror victims, which is essential for healing societal wounds and fostering trust in the administration. Empowering victims can lead to better intelligence gathering and public support for counter-terrorism efforts. Thirdly, it reinforces the narrative that the abrogation of Article 370 was necessary to bring J&K into the national mainstream, improve governance, and address long-standing grievances. The move, enacted through the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, which bifurcated the state into two Union Territories (J&K and Ladakh), aimed to remove perceived barriers to development and good governance.

**Historical Context & Future Implications:**

Historically, the presence of OGWs and their alleged infiltration into state structures contributed to the prolonged insurgency and hindered effective governance. The L-G's statement suggests a direct link between the special status and these vulnerabilities. Post-abrogation, the government is actively pursuing policies to ensure transparency, merit-based appointments, and accountability. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been a significant legal tool used to prosecute OGWs and terror sympathizers. Future implications include a continued crackdown on the terror ecosystem, potentially leading to more arrests and asset seizures related to OGWs. There will be an increased focus on rehabilitation programs for victims and measures to ensure their safety and empowerment. Furthermore, this narrative sets the stage for future political processes, including assembly elections and the potential restoration of statehood, by emphasizing a 'purified' administrative and social environment. The long-term goal is to integrate J&K fully, promote economic development, and ensure that justice prevails for all its citizens.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

* **Article 370:** (Abrogated) Granted special status to J&K. Its abrogation is the foundational event for the L-G's statement.

* **Article 35A:** (Abrogated) Defined 'permanent residents' of J&K and granted them special rights and privileges. Its abrogation removed these distinctions.

* **Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019:** The parliamentary act that bifurcated the state into the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, and made all provisions of the Indian Constitution applicable to J&K.

* **Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA):** A crucial anti-terror law used to deal with individuals involved in terror activities, including OGWs, by providing for stringent penalties and powers to investigate.

* **Government Policies for Victim Rehabilitation:** Various schemes and policies are being formulated or strengthened to provide compensation, support, and rehabilitation to victims of terrorism and their families, aiming to restore their dignity and rights.