The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have revised their strategy to counter terrorist attacks by deploying Army and paramilitary forces on hills.
The decision came a day after the centre decided to deploy its 37 QRTs from the army in the Jammu region to counter the evolving terror threat.
According to official sources, this high-level decision has been communicated to top Army and CRPF officials, with deployment starting immediately.
The Army and paramilitary forces will patrol hilly areas in districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Kathua, and Reasi.
Reports indicate that terrorists use natural caves in these hills as hideouts. Troops will identify and target these hideouts to eliminate the threats.
Sources informed reporters that “security forces have noted that many attacks on the Army have been launched from hills onto isolated and unpaved roads, with local guides assisting the terrorists. Security personnel in these areas are expected to restore confidence among the local population.”
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and representative of the Udhampur-Doda-Kathua Parliamentary seat, has praised this strategic deployment.
Meanwhile, the Army’s 9 Corps has intensified its presence in the Kathua Hills, while the Delta Force of the 16 Corps has increased personnel in Udhampur and Doda.
This effort includes areas like Seoj Dhar, historically a terrorist sanctuary in the 1990s. Ground teams are supported by unmanned aerial vehicles, Special Forces, and sniffer dog units.
The rugged terrain, dense forests, deep valleys, and adverse weather conditions like rain and fog add challenges to the operations.
Since an attack on two Army vehicles in Kathua, where five soldiers were martyred, 60 people have been detained, including three suspected of aiding terrorists.
However, search operations continue with caution due to the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Security measures have also been heightened along highways and sensitive areas, including the Amarnath Yatra sites.
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