The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is facing heightened terror threats this winter, with intelligence reports indicating over 30 Pakistani terrorists active in the Jammu region, prompting Army to intensify its winter operations to flush them out.
In what is being seen as a departure from earlier practice, the Army has intensified winter operations in Doda and Kishtwar, seeking to flush out residual terrorist groups during the coldest weeks in Jammu & Kashmir through simultaneous deployments in valleys, mid-ranges, and high-altitude areas.
This push aims to flush out remaining terrorist groups during the coldest weeks. Simultaneous deployments cover valleys, mid-ranges, and high-altitude areas. Aggressive patrolling and modern surveillance are being used. Coordinated operations involve multiple security forces and civil administration. This strategy seeks to deny terrorists rest or shelter in snowbound terrain.
As Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter phase, sets in, the Indian Army has intensified counter-terror operations to prevent the militants from exploiting the severe weather conditions.Traditionally, the onset of Chillai Kalan, the harshest phase of Kashmir’s winter spanning from 21st December to 31st January, ushers in a temporary lull in terrorist activities, as communication routes close and heavy snowfall isolates mountain regions.
Sources from defense and intelligence agencies reveal that, under pressure from ongoing operations, the terrorists have moved to higher and more remote areas in Kishtwar and Doda to evade detection. They further said the Army has adopted a proactive winter posture, establishing temporary bases and surveillance posts deep within snow-covered areas to maintain unbroken pressure on possible terrorist hideouts. It said, intelligence from multiple agencies is carefully synthesised to draw precise situational pictures of terrorist movement and hideout patterns.
These terrorists are believed to be seeking temporary winter hideouts to evade detection and avoid direct confrontation with security troops. It said, Army units have expanded their operational reach into higher and snowbound areas to pursue and neutralise Pakistani terrorists.These areas, with minimal civilian presence, are being used to regroup during this traditionally quieter period.
Despite the winter slowdown, the Army has expanded its operations into snow-covered, high-altitude zones since December 21, setting up forward winter bases and surveillance posts to maintain constant pressure on terror hideouts, even as temperatures plummet.
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