Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir
Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir include security operations such as Operation Rakshak, which began in 1990, Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003 and Operation Randori Behak in 2020.[1][2] Other operations include humanitarian missions such as Operation Megh Rahat and operations with a social aim such as Operation Goodwill and Operation Calm Down.[3][4] The Indian Army works in tandem with the other arms of the Indian Armed Forces and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir such as during Mission Sahayata or joint operations.
See also: Indian Armed Forces in Jammu and KashmirSecurity Impact[edit]
Operation Rakshak[edit]
Operation Rakshak is an ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operation started during the height of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir in June 1990. The operation adapted itself from being merely a "show of strength" in 1990 to encompassing more areas in 1991 such as orders "not to enter the houses of civilians", "not to smoke in religious places" and "not to damage standing crops".[5] 753 Indian army personnel died during Operation Rakshak between 2007 and 2015.[6]
Major Mohit Sharma, who was killed while performing duties under Operation Rakshak, was posthumously awarded India's highest peacetime gallantry award ‘Ashok Chakra’ on 15 August 2009.[7] Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala was also killed during Operation Rakshak 18 November 2017, and was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra on 25 January 2018.[8] The Operation Rakshak Memorial is located in Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar.[9]
Army personnel building a bridge over Poonch River to re-establish connectivity in Poonch during September 2014.
Indian Air Force helicopters carrying out rescue and evacuation of people marooned during the floods in Jammu and Kashmir
Relief materials are being loaded in an Indian Air Force helicopter for distribution among the flood affected people
Armed forces carry out rescue and relief during the floods in Jammu and Kashmir
In September 2014, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed severe flooding in many areas. The rainfall and flooding resulted in people dying on both sides of the border.[85][86] The Indian Armed Forces were deployed to conduct search, rescue, relief (NDRF and other local bodies also coordinated efforts). Nearly 30,000 troops were deployed.[87] By mid-September, over 200,000 people were rescued by the Armed forces.[88] While the Army's Northern Command response was called Operation Megh Rahat,[87] the Armed Forces assistance as a whole was called Mission Sahayata.[89][90]