“Shadow of Terror: Revival of Militancy Threatens Jammu’s Peaceful Facade”.
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh July 10,2024 ||
Jammu : A shadow of terror looms over the once peaceful districts of Jammu province, as recent attacks authenticate reports of Pakistan-based terror mentors reviving Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in the region. Areas that were previously considered terrorism-free are now witnessing a resurgence of militant activities, challenging the narrative of peace that has been projected for years.
Unexpected Attacks in ‘Safe’ Zones:
Historically, incidents of terrorism in Jammu were largely confined to the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. However, a disturbing trend has emerged with terrorists now targeting districts like Reasi, Udhampur, and notably, Kathua. This escalation underscores an urgent need for decisive action against those who sympathize with and support terrorists.
Local Collaborators: The Hidden Threat:
It’s an undeniable fact that some locals, driven by fear, financial incentives, or ideological alignment, are aiding terrorists by providing them with food, shelter, and transportation. These individuals must be identified by local law enforcement and held accountable. Stringent measures should be applied to deal with them effectively, ensuring they face severe consequences for their actions.
Border Security: A Critical Component:
To prevent further infiltration across the international border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), additional measures must be implemented. The Indian Army, responsible for guarding the 744-km LoC, and the Border Security Force (BSF), overseeing the 198-km IB, are urged to bolster the anti-infiltration obstacle system. Successful infiltrations have directly contributed to the recent surge in attacks, making border security a critical component in the fight against terrorism.
Official Statements and Actions:
Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain recently emphasized that locals found supporting foreign terrorists would face consequences under the Enemy Agents Ordinance, which carries stricter penalties than the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. On June 13, Swain asserted, “A war has been thrust upon us, but rest assured, we will eliminate every terrorist in J&K.”
Underlying Factors and Strategic Shifts:
Security experts attribute the recent surge in attacks, including the one in Kathua, to several factors. These include the upcoming assembly elections, terrorist infiltration via the International Border and Line of Control, local support, and troop redeployment. The curve of terror is expanding, and a deliberate strategy aims to counter the narrative of peace in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
Despite significant improvements in Kashmir, adversaries like Pakistan and China conspire to undermine the perception of peace and development. Their focus has shifted to the Jammu region, where troop deployment has decreased over the past 15 years due to prevailing peace.
Jammu’s Vulnerability and Strategic Response:
Jammu’s vulnerability to terror attacks stems from its hilly and forested terrain, inadequate road networks, and weakened army and paramilitary forces. While security forces concentrate on counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley and manning the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, Pakistan has adjusted its strategy to destabilize Jammu.
The Kathua Attack: A Deadly Ambush:
A massive joint search operation was launched on Tuesday to track down terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on an army patrol party in Kathua district that left five personnel dead. Ground search teams, supported by helicopter and UAV surveillance, along with sniffer dogs and metal detectors, are focusing on dense forest areas in the belt. The joint cordon and search operation involves the army, police, and CRPF in the Machedi, Badnote, Kindli, and Lohai Malhar areas, with a large area put under cordon.
A Harrowing Encounter:
The attack on Monday saw heavily armed terrorists ambush a patrolling party in the remote Machedi area, resulting in the martyrdom of five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, and injuring as many others. According to sources, three to four terrorists, mostly foreigners, are believed to have executed the attack. They are part of the same group involved in the Basangarh attack, where a village defense guard, Mohd Sharief, was killed in an encounter with terrorists on April 28 in Panara village.
Ongoing Operations:
Security forces had in June picked up movement of one group in the upper reaches of Bani, Daggar, and Kindli areas of Kathua district and conducted search operations. The relentless efforts to track and eliminate the terrorists continue, as the region braces for further challenges in its quest to restore peace and stability.
As the curve of terror expands, the resilience of Jammu’s people and the determination of its security forces will be tested. The region stands at a critical juncture, where the actions taken today will shape the future of its peace and security.
