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This year's terror attacks in Jammu took 44 lives, of which 18 were security personnel, according to the data cited by the security officials on Monday. 

 

There has been a considerable drop in the number of terror attacks reported this year in Rajouri and Poonch compared to the previous year, but the strikes are spreading from these districts to Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Udhampur, keeping the security agencies and forces on their toes. 

 

As per official data, Doda, Kathua, and Reasi districts recorded nine killings each this year followed by Kishtwar (five), Udhampur (four), Jammu and Rajouri (three each), and Poonch (two). 

 

The deceased included 18 security personnel and 13 terrorists, the officials said, adding that among the 14 civilians killed by the terrorists, seven were pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khouri temple while three were village defence guards (VGDs). 

 

While the pilgrims were killed in an attack on their bus which also claimed the life of the local driver and conductor, the VDGs were shot in Udhampur and Kishtwar districts. 

 

Seven security personnel lost their lives in terror incidents this year in Kathua, five in Doda, three in Kishtwar, two in Poonch, and one in Udhampur, the officials said, adding that three terrorists were killed in a two-day-long operation in Akhnoor sector of Jammu region in October, four in separate encounters in Doda, two each in Kathua, Udhampur, and Rajouri.  

 

To counter the threat and thwart the attempts of Pakistan-based handlers to spread terror in the peaceful areas of the region, officials said the army, in close synergy with the police and the central armed police forces, has launched relentless operations in the vulnerable regions, especially in the dense forests.  

 

The Rajouri-Poonch belt, which like other parts of the Jammu region were almost cleared of terrorism over a decade ago, witnessed deadly terror attacks mostly targeting army vehicles since October 2021, resulting in the death of more than 100 persons, including 47 security personnel and 48 terrorists, besides seven civilians.  

 

The officials said Rajouri accounted for 19 deaths in 2021, 14 in 2022, and 28 in 2023. Likewise, Poonch recorded 15 deaths in 2021, four in 2022, and 24 in 2023.  

 

They said the footprints of the security forces have been increased in many areas where they were earlier reduced or completely withdrawn due to the improved security situation over the years.  

 

Night patrolling has also been intensified across the region, especially in the border villages, to check infiltration of terrorists from across the border, the officials said.  

 

They added that public outreach in the form of medical camps and other welfare measures under 'Operation Sadbhavana' (goodwill), including frequent interaction with elders and youth, has also recorded a manifold increase.