SURGE IN TERROR STRIKES IN J & K
The Latest encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district has once again laid bare the gaps in the security infrastructure of a belt that saw long stretches of peace until recent years.
Since 2021, areas south of the Pir Panjal range, including Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu, have seen a surge in high-intensity terror targeting security forces and civilians.
THE REGION IN NUMBERS
NO. OF ATTACKS OVER THE YEARS:
While there were 3 attacks each in the jammu region against security forces in 2022 and 2023, 6 attacks have been recorded so far this year.
SFS KILLED:
6 security force personnel were killed in separate attacks in 2022. This increased to 21 in 2023, and stands at 11 this year.
MILITANTS KILLED:
5 militants have been killed in the region so far this year. In 2023, this figure was 20, and in 2022, 14 militants were killed.
CIVILIANS KILLED:
11 civilians have also lost their lives in the attacks this year.
PROBABLE REASONS FOR RISING ATTACKS
- Complacency among the security forces: Indian armed forces conducted Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003. Post that militancy went drastically down in the region. This overall reduction led to complacency.
- Diversion of troops towards LAC: The troop reduction in the region with the movement of forces to the Line of Actual Control in 2021 led to an increased area of responsibility for each battalion, contributing to an increased revisit time by every patrol.
- Increased dependency on Technology: A top security official also pointed out that with increased dependence on technology, there is a likelihood of a reduced ground connect, which has been known to deliver the best operational intelligence.
- Attacks near the international border: The recent attacks westwards of Jammu in the Kathua-Samba region also point towards another trend – of carrying out attacks close to the international Border. Unlike Rajouri and Poonch, these areas, even though part of Jammu region, come under the Army Western Command, which does not undertake counter-terror operations.
“infiltration along the IB is comparatively easier than the LoC”
- Lack of motivation among the forces: “motivational incentives” for the forces, such as “promotion of SPOs to constables”, are on the “back-burner due to centralisation of powers in the police”, which can further reduce incentives for developing human intelligence.
- Sophisticated equipments & weapons & increasing Narco Terrorism: Officials also said militants are bringing sophisticated equipment such as night-vision glasses and M4 rifles. Plus, there have also been increased instances of narco-terrorism, facilitated both by people and drones, generating adequate funds for distribution to locals and to fund terror activities.
- Several drones transporting drugs, explosives, weapons and money have been caught in the region by security forces in the last few years.
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