Maj Gen Ranjan Mahajan
The current situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) marked by a significant spike in the activities of Pakistan sponsored terrorists, loss of precious lives of our brave soldiers is definitely a matter of great concern to all of us. The announcement of the dates for Vidhan Sabha Elections in J&K i.e. 18, 25 Sep and 01 Oct 2024 has also been made recently. It’s absolutely clear that ISI (Inter Services Intelligence, Pakistan) has shifted its focus from Kashmir to Jammu & region South of Peer Panjal ranges. Katra Bus Fire Incident in May 2022, Encounter at Sidhra near Jammu in Dec 2022, resulting in the neutralization of four terrorists, Dangri Village Massacre in January 2023 and Series of Attacks in the month of June 9-26 2024 (Terrorist initiated incident on Reasi Bus (9 Fatal and 41 Non Fatal civilians), Kathua Village near the International Border, and the checkpoints at Gandoh and Chattergala have already happened. The Month of July saw further spike in such incidents at Kathua, Gadi Bhagwah, Doda, Desa Forest and Jaddan Bata Village in Kastigarh where heavy loss of life has been caused to our bravehearts.
Now recently on 19 Aug the encounter at Basantgarh, Ramnagar in Udhampur clearly indicates that these terrorists are determined to create more terror and somehow hit some soft or vital target in Udhampur being the Headquarters for controlling operations in the entire UT of Jammu & Kashmir and create more sensation.
Recently, there have been multiple encounters between Security Forces and terrorists, leading to casualties on both sides. These terrorist attacks over the last four weeks have seen the shift of focus of Pak sponsored terrorism from the Kashmir Valley to Jammu, Rajouri, Reasi, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and Udhampur Regions and also remaining South of Pir Panjal Ranges (PPR) as far as the connect between Jammu & Kashmir regions is concerned.
Presence of well trained and fully familiarized terrorists from Pakistan (maybe few from Pak regular forces) as well as hailing from Khyber regions can’t be ruled out. Even the wing of “Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), “Kashmir Tigers” is reportedly active. They in fact are now operating as “Shadow Groups”, carrying out one incident in the name of “Kashmir Tigers” and next in the name of “PAF”. The presence of active sleeper cells, who was a teacher, the alleged mastermind behind the Katra bus bombing, increases the complexity of these operations. The recovery of sophisticated war-like stores, including US-made M4 assault rifles, Chinese weapons, and encrypted radio sets, indicates the well-equipped nature of these terrorists. Almost over a dozen terrorist groups are presently operating in Jammu region with their strategic focus on Doda. These better trained terrorists are making use of offline mobile apps and Virtual Private Network apps for communication and navigation through the tough undulating topography and dense jungles with technical support. They, for a change, are operating tactically and not leaving their electronic imprints behind. They use the Hot Spots of civilians for the time being and clear of their areas well in time. The dense vegetation and poor visibility is a bigger challenge.
It’s now almost three and half decades ever since the notorious and irresposible state, Pakistan commenced its proxy war campaign in Kashmir way back in 1989 and gradually spilling the militancy and terrorism to Jammu regions with the main aim of exercising a pull on the spread on the Indian Armed and Paramilitary Forces thereby forcing decision makers to either thin out Kashmir or deploy peace time formations/units from the reserve formations. Pakistan has, of course, analyzed the situation and understood that shifting focus to the Jammu division will force the redeployment of military resources from Kashmir. The resultant voids could then be exploited through the revival of militancy, separatism, and terrorism in the Valley. Absolutely low cost option for Pakistan to keep Indian Armed Forces committed, of course in connivance with their masters i.e. China. Apart from this, following are several other inherent advantages for Anti National Elements (ANEs) to operate in the Jammu and Doda regions than the Kashmir Valley.
There is a much higher concentration of Security Forces in Kashmir with a stronger Intelligence network as compared to the Jammu region thus increased chances of survival of terrorists.
Counter Infiltration/Terrorism Grid has been denuded as in 2020, RR Force HQ with two Sectors was moved up from Reasi to Ladakh post Galwan, when the Chinese upped the ante at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh thereby diluting the intelligence grid as well.
Collusivity between our adversaries i.e. China and Pakistan and pressure on Pakistan to undertake such acts to keep the Indian Armed Forces on the reactive mode
The complex rugged terrain and dense forests, offers numerous hideouts and escape routes for terrorists, making it challenging for Security Forces to conduct operations.
Terrorist groups rely on local support, Over Ground Workers (OGW) Network is fully established for these terrorists to sustain and survive in many parts of the Jammu region.
The Jammu region, particularly near the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), has been used by terrorists to infiltrate from Pakistan. And therefore, use of tunnels for infilteration and drones to smuggle weapons and personnel has been more prevalent in this region.
The Jammu region also offers more opportunities to target civilian populations and infrastructure, which can create significant media coverage and spread fear among the populace.
By focusing on the Jammu region, terrorists aim to disrupt the development activities and delay the democratic processes, such as the holding of assembly elections. This is seen as a strategy to create instability and undermine the governance in the region. In a way, again challenging the most contentious “Abrogation of Article 370”.
Notwithstanding the above advantageous to the ANEs, this region also possesses several inherent strengths for the Security Forces as well which further needs to be exploited to thwart the ISI’s game plan to include significant military presence, including army bases and security installations, a strong political and administrative will to safeguard the integrity and security of the affected region.
Local Support and Vigilance
The cultural diversity and resilience of the people in Jammu, strong Security Infrastructure and the region’s economic development plays a role in reducing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by external agencies against attempts by the ISI or any other external actors to disrupt peace and stability.
Recommend Approach which could be adopted for immediate control of the situation in J&K
Whole of Government approach has been instrumental in bringing the situation in Kashmir under control and therefore the same is required for the affected region as well.
There is a need to reinforce the existing Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism grids of 25 and 26 infantry divisions, “Romeo” and “Delta” Forces and also the Paramilitary Forces deployed on the LoC, IB and also in the hinterland. As reports are trickling in, one Brigade size force and also a few teams of Special Forces and some Paramilitary forces units have already been inducted & some are in the process of moving in from NE States. Counter Insurgency grid once strengthened and Boots on Ground enhanced, the results will automatically show up.
Reinforced and robust Intelligence grid
Both Human and electronic needs to be ensured because we can’t afford to tire our forces by climbing tough mountains in a wild goose chase. The operations have to be intelligence based. What is most important now is to get actionable intelligence (Human as well as Technical) which should be shared with all affected parties on a real-time basis. Intelligence also needs refurbishing with SOG and the RR looking at each other’s strengths.
The terrorists will be requiring funds to dish out to local civilians for getting their support, shelter and food. This needs to be countered. Make sure the terrorists don’t get funds & at the sametime Security Forces should be provided with adequate funds at lowest levels for immediate payment to potential informers and sources. This works like fire. Ready cash to be given to sources / informers is any day better than making promises. The ready cash currency jolts even indoctrinated OGW’s heart and mind.
In the backdrop of recent Operation ALL OUT undertaken by Security Forces, in my perception, the operations of the Security Forces should be based at a company level where the entire company may be divided into 6 to 7 parties of 10/12 each under effective junior leaders and dynamic Company Commanders with definite areas for domination, search and destroy missions. There is just no requirement of Brigade/ Battalion Level operations. Reserves must always be maintained at all levels. It must be ensured that they have solid undisruptable communication and they are administratively well organized. The jointness between the Armed Forces, the local police and civil administration is absolutely a must for successful missions.
Sub-tactical operations and unit/sub-unit drills need to be relooked at for inherent faults with an aim to get over them fastest. Movement of convoys, the first two minutes of contact with terrorists, large-scale operations to disturb the terrorist logistics, etc should all be revisited
Moral and physical ascendency needs to be continually ensured.
The IB portion has to be sanitized and the rat holes (Tunnels), their entrances and exits need to be choked, sealed and their burrows have to be smoked out.
There is no way that these terrorists can survive without local support. Stringent, exampolary and requisite legal & punitive actions need to be enforced against the ones providing the food & shelter. At the sametime a sound relationship with the locals which always exists but needs reiteration.
The highly motivated and determined Village Defence Force elements are the biggest strength for the Security Forces and their potential needs to be enhanced further and also encashed. There is an urgent need of giving them the automatic AK Rifles replacing pre partitioned .303 Rifles.
Build the operational pressure so much that the terrorists have no option but to spend longer at specific hideouts/safe houses when there is a shortage of these. Intelligence sources will then have a field day in terms of ease of pick-ups and response by CT forces.
The socio economic growth of any country or any of its part can be an eyesore for her adversaries and other countries, which may be feeling threatened by its growth and also economic freedom/ progress. So requisite steps at the diplomatic level need to be put in place to ensure correct addressing of this issue at international level.
We, as a country need to ensure that the collusivity between our two major adversaries is not permitted to reach a level, which may be absolutely detrimental for us and therefore diplomacy cards needs to be played at the right levels and also all other essential measures to be put in place to guard against collusivity.
Our Security Forces under the able and experienced leaders and commanders in the entire Northern Command have cut such cancerous elements earlier also on many many occasions and soon will get over it again.
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