In a concerning development, terrorism has found a new foothold south of Pir Panjal in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting worries in Delhi about the changing dynamics of terror activities in the region. The shift of the “theatre of terror” from north to south of Pir Panjal over the past two years has sparked urgent meetings and security assessments to address the escalating situation.
An urgent session of the Unified Command was convened earlier this week to evaluate recent terror attacks and prioritize the safety of pilgrims during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled from June 29 to August 19. Security officials expressed concerns about the increase in incidents, attributing it partly to the relatively peaceful nature of the area in recent years coupled with the challenging terrain that aids terrorist movements.
Recent joint audits by security and intelligence agencies in the Jammu region revealed gaps in security measures, prompting swift actions to bolster defenses and conduct area domination exercises. Despite previous reports of no infiltration last year, recent encounters with terrorists have contradicted these claims, raising alarms about renewed terrorist activities.
Intelligence sources suggest that Pakistan may be exploiting communal fault lines in the Jammu region, leading to targeted attacks, including on pilgrims, with the intention of inciting unrest. This strategy aims to disrupt the peace narrative in the region, particularly following successful local elections. The involvement of new groups and the persistence of terror attacks indicate a continuing proxy war with varying degrees of intensity.
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police RR Swain highlighted the trend of reduced local recruitments and increased infiltration from across the border, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of containing terrorism and maintaining stability in the region.
Sources By Agencies