TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Dec 26: In a major boost to border security in Jammu and Kashmir, the Border Security Force (BSF) has successfully neutralised eight terrorists in four separate infiltration attempts along the 343-kilometre-long Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir during 2025. The operations were carried out through sustained domination of forward areas, heightened surveillance, and seamless coordination with the Indian Army, officials said.
Inspector General, BSF Frontier Kashmir, Ashok Yadav, while addressing a press conference earlier this year, said that persistent vigilance and intelligence-led operations significantly curtailed infiltration attempts despite continued threats from across the border.
He credited the BSF’s G Branch intelligence wing for playing a decisive role throughout the year by generating precise and actionable intelligence. “The timely inputs provided by the intelligence wing enabled our troops to pre-empt infiltration attempts and recover a large cache of arms and ammunition,” Yadav said.
The recoveries included sophisticated weapons such as AK-47 rifles, MP-5 submachine guns, pistols, hand grenades, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGLs), Multiple Grenade Launchers (MGLs), and ammunition of various calibres, indicating the intent of terror groups to carry out major attacks in the Valley.
The IG further revealed that the BSF is currently monitoring 69 active terrorist launching pads located across the LoC. According to intelligence assessments, nearly 100 to 120 militants are believed to be stationed at these launch pads, waiting for an opportunity to infiltrate into Kashmir.
He added that following Operation Sindoor, launched amid heightened cross-border hostilities, several terror launch pads were shifted deeper inside hostile territory in an apparent attempt to evade Indian retaliation and surveillance.
Despite challenging terrain, extreme weather conditions, and long engagement ranges, BSF units, including artillery regiments, delivered heavy and precise retaliatory fire during Operation Sindoor. The strikes targeted enemy posts and terror launch infrastructure, inflicting substantial damage on forward positions and disrupting infiltration logistics.
“Operation Sindoor caused significant damage to adversary posts and some terror launching pads, forcing the enemy to recalibrate their strategy,” officials said.
Beyond guarding the LoC, the BSF also expanded its operational footprint in the hinterland during 2025. As part of counter-terror efforts, 13 BSF companies were deployed to support Jammu and Kashmir Police-led operations. The force also participated in 22 joint operations alongside the Indian Army, Rashtriya Rifles, J&K Police, and CRPF, particularly in North Kashmir. These operations resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and other incriminating material.
In the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the BSF deployed specially trained Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism (CI/CT) teams in the sensitive Gulmarg bowl to strengthen security at the popular tourist destination. Officials said these teams continue to maintain a robust presence in coordination with local police to ensure the safety of civilians and uninterrupted tourist movement.
During the year, the BSF also flagged narco-terrorism, drone surveillance, and the emergence of so-called “white-collar” terror modules as major evolving challenges. While weapon-dropping drones were largely restricted to areas across the LoC, surveillance drone activity remained a concern and was kept under close watch.
Officials confirmed that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, with BSF units maintaining full operational readiness along the LoC and in the hinterland. Although infiltration attempts have declined compared to previous years, the force cautioned that the threat persists in newer and more complex forms.
“The nature of terrorism is constantly evolving. Reduced infiltration does not mean reduced threat. Continuous vigilance, intelligence coordination, and proactive operations remain critical,” officials asserted.
The year-end assessment underscores the BSF’s pivotal role in safeguarding Kashmir’s borders while adapting to emerging security challenges in an increasingly complex operational environment.
