Security Forces to Reassess Counter-Terror Strategy in J&K

• 05 Oct 2023

Recently, the surge in terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has prompted security forces to reconsider their counter-terror strategy in the region, with plans to redistribute Rashtriya Rifles (RR) units on hold for now.

Key Points

• Reevaluating Counter-Terror Strategy: Security forces are reviewing their approach to combat terrorism in J&K due to the recent increase in terror activities.
• Troop Redeployment: They plan to redeploy troops in the hinterland to flush out dormant militants and enhance the existing counter-infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC).
• Winter Infiltration Risk: The revised strategy takes into account the likelihood of increased infiltration attempts before winter, particularly when heavy snowfall makes border crossings more challenging.
• Presence of Militants: There are over 200 terrorists estimated to be in launchpads across the LoC, raising concerns about potential infiltration attempts.
• Militant Concentration Shift: While the number of militants in the Valley has decreased, there's a rise in militants in areas south of the Pir Panjal range like Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi.
• Leadership Gap: There is a leadership vacuum among militants in the Valley, prompting attempts to fill it with leaders from across the LoC and alternative routes.

Counter-Terror Measures

• Exhaustive Operations: The revised strategy includes extensive, long-drawn operations to deplete militants' resources and logistics.
• Proactive Operations: Security forces will continue proactive operations based on intelligence inputs.
• Redeployment: Troop redeployment aims to prevent movement across the Pir Panjal range and non-traditional routes.
• Technology Utilization: Mobile check posts, drones, and satellite imagery will be increasingly used in future operations.