SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Nov 14: With winter tightening its icy grip on the mountainous regions of Kashmir, concerns are mounting over potential attempts by Pakistan to push terrorists across the International Border (IB) into the more accessible areas of Jammu and Punjab. Security forces are intensifying their vigilance along the Jammu border, particularly in the Kathua and Samba sectors, to intercept possible infiltration efforts aimed at disturbing the peace in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources informed Kashmir Despatch that as Kashmir’s mountain passes become impassable due to snow and harsh winter conditions, Pakistan-backed groups may shift their infiltration efforts from high-altitude routes to the plains of Jammu.
An official source highlighted that security forces have now redirected their focus towards preventing incursions in these lower, accessible areas, where conditions remain viable for terrorist infiltration throughout the winter months.
A significant tactical shift appears to be unfolding, with terrorists showing increased interest in infiltrating the Jammu region. While the Kashmir Valley has remained relatively stable over recent years, there has been a marked uptick in violence in Jammu since 2021, which intelligence agencies attribute to an evolved strategy by Pakistan-based terror groups.
Since the abrogation of Article 370, these groups have aimed to destabilize Jammu as a new hotspot, taking advantage of its open, challenging terrain for easy concealment and movement across both the IB and the Line of Control (LoC).
Intelligence sources indicate that these groups are targeting Jammu’s expansive geography, where they can cross undetected, often disguised as civilians. After infiltrating, terrorists are directed to hidden weapon caches and are assisted by local guides familiar with the terrain. The flow of infiltrators across Kathua, Samba, and other areas signals a strategic pivot, with Pakistan-backed operatives seeking to exploit regions where security infrastructure is less concentrated than in the fortified Kashmir Valley.
With snowfall restricting movements in Kashmir’s higher altitudes, terrorists hiding in the region’s forests during summer are now descending to lowlands.
Intelligence reports suggest that some of these operatives, initially infiltrated through Bandipora-Gurez, have moved towards the Pir Panjal range and are suspected to be active near Jammu’s borders.
The recent attack on an under-construction tunnel in Ganderbal is viewed by security agencies as a disturbing development. Though this attack did not damage the infrastructure, it revealed the presence of newly arrived militants in a region that has, until now, been one of the more secure areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel is of critical importance, as it is designed to ensure year-round connectivity to Ladakh, a region where heavy snow at the Zojila Pass often isolates military and civilian movement.
In the last two weeks alone, multiple terror incidents have shaken Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the deaths of eight terrorists in encounters across the Union Territory. On November 2, security forces eliminated a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander in Khanyar, Central Kashmir, though the encounter also resulted in injuries to several security personnel. Days later, on November 5, another terrorist was killed in Bandipora after a fierce exchange of fire, which left two soldiers injured. On November 6, a similar operation in Kupwara neutralized another terrorist, while two militants were killed on November 8 in Sagipora, Sopore, an operation hailed by security officials as a substantial win.
Despite these tactical successes, the infiltration trend persists, prompting heightened efforts by the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) to secure sensitive entry points.
Just days ago, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed anti-infiltration strategies along the Kathua-Pathankot border. This high-level assessment followed reports of attempted infiltration along both the Punjab border and the IB in Jammu.
Satish S. Khandare, Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF’s Western Command, also undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the IB in Jammu. In consultations with field commanders, ADG Khandare reviewed current security measures and discussed enhanced counter-infiltration strategies to mitigate the increased threat posed by potential infiltrators.
Pertinently, The Army and BSF are working in close coordination to protect the Jammu and Punjab borders against this anticipated surge in infiltration attempts, reinforcing security protocols and surveillance operations. However, as the winter months advance, security agencies remain on high alert, recognizing the need for constant vigilance to prevent these cross-border threats from escalating into violent incidents.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
