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New Delhi: At least five incidents of terrorism and infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 10 days have troubled the security agencies. Along with this, security agencies may have to rethink the winter (winter-) anti-terrorism strategy in the Union Territory. Two such incidents occurred south of Pir Panjal in Chasana area of Reasi district and Narla area of Rajouri district and three occurred north of the mountain range between Uri and Baramulla, along the Line of Control in Uri sector and Hathlanga near Anantnag.
This increase in terrorist activities points to Pakistan’s increasing efforts to warm Jammu and Kashmir before the onset of winter. When infiltration becomes difficult in the higher northern areas due to heavy snowfall. An officer said that ‘However, infiltration of terrorists from the launchpad across the LOC in the areas south of Pir Panjal is possible in every season.’
That’s why infiltration attempts are increasing
He further said that ‘But due to snow and difficult hilly terrain in the Shamshbari range and Pir Panjal range running north of Lolab, it becomes difficult to enter the valley.’ The official said that entry from across the Line of Control is difficult in the months before winter. Efforts are being made to send more number of trained terrorists to India, this is also happening due to decline in local recruitment numbers.
Infiltration without weapons also increased
According to the officer, infiltration without weapons using non-traditional routes is also increasing. There have also been incidents of arms and ammunition being dropped near the Line of Control, so that these can be picked up by terrorist associates inside the Indian border. Officials also pointed to the difficulty in immediately ascertaining the route of infiltration.
An official said ‘While Uri is located on the LoC, close to the strategic Haji Pir Pass on the Pir Panjal Range, Anantnag is located between the Pir Panjal Range and Srinagar and is accessible to terrorists infiltrating from areas south of the Pir Panjal. ‘In recent days, there was news that the number of terrorists has decreased in the Kashmir region for some time, but the action of security forces is continuing.
According to data till June this year, of the total terrorists killed in the UT since 2020, 549 were local, while 86 were of foreign origin. At least 133 local terrorist recruits either surrendered or were arrested during this period. Whereas during the same period the number of foreign terrorists was 17. Data showed that in May 2023, 36 local terrorists and 71 foreign terrorists were present in the valley. And in the same period, the number in Jammu region was 13 local terrorists and two foreign terrorists.
