Terrorist Attacks In Jammu: Terrorist attacks have increased rapidly in Jammu in recent times . On Monday, once again, 5 soldiers were killed in a cowardly attack by terrorists on soldiers, while five others were injured. Attacks have increased since the swearing-in of the new government at the Center on June 9. Terrorists also targeted a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu. Many such big attacks have taken place in Jammu, which shows the change in the focus of terrorists from Kashmir.
There is also growing concern that these Pakistani terrorists are now targeting innocent civilians in addition to the security forces. On June 9, Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a terror attack on a civilian bus, killing nine people and injuring 41.
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The bus carrying Hindu pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple in Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi temple fell into a deep gorge in Reasi district due to indiscriminate firing. Officials say that in such a situation, tension will increase further in both Jammu and Kashmir. It is said that about 60 to 70 terrorists are active on the launch pads across the Line of Control (LOC).
Why the focus on Jammu?
After the repeal of Article 370, the focus of the strategy of Pakistan-based terror groups has shifted from the Kashmir Valley, where security forces maintain a strong hold. For the last 2-3 years, terrorists have been carrying out intermittent attacks in Jammu, which has seen a spurt in violence, particularly with 43 terror attacks in 2023 and 25 attacks so far in 2024.
The terror attacks are also being seen as a move to prevent the holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which will be the first elections since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
Jammu region is full of challenges
The vast and complex terrain of the Jammu region is used by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations to send armed terrorists across the International Border (IB) and LoC, sometimes using tunnels. Weapons are also sent using drones. Terrorists also enter as civilians and collect hiding places and weapons with the help of local guides.
Despite the significant successes of the Jammu and Kashmir police and security forces, the Jammu sector remains a challenging area. Lashkar and Jaish modules are being difficult to track due to the lack of use of mobile phones and minimal support from the locals.
Police have set up checkpoints and deployed soldiers in Rajouri and Poonch. Terrorists make their hideouts in forests where no one goes. A few days ago, security forces had an encounter with terrorists at a similar place. After which the terrorists fled.
Massive infiltration has begun in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the monsoon season. Usually, terrorists wait for the monsoon floods to disrupt border surveillance systems like concertina wire and infrared lights. Sometimes, they also use animals like nilgai.
Gram Raksha Samiti is being activated
A network is being created in all the villages to strengthen local security, as well as Gram Raksha Samiti is also being activated. Recently, a Special Police Officer (SPO) in Kathua helped in killing a terrorist. However, Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist commander Jahangir Saruri, active in Kishtwar areas, is still absconding. Officials believe that he is behind the resurgence of terrorism in the area.
Saruri, a terrorist active since 1992, has evaded arrest despite a reward being announced on him. He is also known for his deceptive tactics like wearing shoes backwards to mislead trackers, while he evades capture by hiding in Hindu minority homes during searches. However, security forces believe that the threat from hardcore Pakistani terrorists is more serious.
The support of the local population has been crucial in counter-terrorism efforts. In 2018, 50 villagers from Salani near Poonch joined security personnel to avenge the killing of their friend by militants. In another instance, a civilian whose brother was killed by militants in 2003 also joined the security forces with the intention of taking revenge.
While Pakistan is not succeeding in doing much in Kashmir, the same level of intelligence is not available in the Jammu region. That is why terrorists are targeting soft targets. They are targeting temporary posts, vehicle checkpoints and even civilians.
The situation in Jammu remains tense, but security forces are on high alert and efforts to combat terrorism in the region have been intensified with the support of the local population.
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