Rise of terrorism in jammu|strategic change|

The Rise of Terrorism in Jammu: A Grim Reality

Over the past one month, the Jammu region has witnessed a disturbing resurgence of terrorist activities, shattering the fragile peace that had been maintained for nearly two decades. Starting from June 9th, a series of attacks have been carried out, with tragic consequences. In one of the deadliest incidents, nine people, including a two-year-old child, lost their lives, and 42 others were injured. The most recent attack on July 16th claimed the lives of five army personnel, including a Army captain.

 

Perpetrators and Their Motives

These attacks have been attributed to Pakistani-based terrorist organizations   Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). These groups have created offshoots like the "People's Anti-Fascist Front" (PAFF) and "The Resistance Front" (TRF), which are involved in the ongoing violence in the Jammu region. Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have long-standing objectives to destabilize the region with the ultimate goal of annexing Kashmir to Pakistan.

Despite decades of attempts, these terrorist groups have consistently failed to achieve their goals. However, the recent surge in attacks has once again brought fear and uncertainty to the people of Jammu. Areas such as Pir Panjal and Doda-Kishtwar, which had been free from terrorist activities for the past two decades, are now experiencing a resurgence of violence.

 

Changing Tactics and Increased Threat

The Jammu and Kashmir police estimate that there are currently 60 to 70 active militants in the region. These terrorists have shifted their focus from the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region and have adopted guerrilla warfare techniques. This new approach has led to increased casualties among security forces, as terrorists find it easier to hide in the dense forests of the area.

Security forces have identified two main groups operating in the region: one based in the Rajouri-Poonch area and the other in the Doda region. The ability of these terrorists to survive in the jungles for extended periods is largely due to the support they receive from local sympathizers and on-ground workers (OGWs). These individuals provide shelter, food, and other forms of assistance, making it challenging for security forces to root out the terrorist presence.

 The Role of Ideological Indoctrination

Another concerning aspect of this resurgence is the role of radical clerics, or Moulvis and Maulanas, funded by Pakistan. These religious figures have been spreading hate and instilling anti-India sentiments among young children in mosques and madrasas. This indoctrination creates a fertile ground for future recruits, as children are taught to harbor animosity towards India from a very young age.

Professionalism and Training of Terrorists

The recent attacks suggest a high level of training and coordination among the terrorists, indicating possible support and training from the Pakistani army. The professionalism displayed in these attacks raises concerns about the direct involvement of Pakistani military personnel or former soldiers in these operations.

 Need for Increased Security and Intelligence

The deployment of Indian army personnel along the China border has resulted in a reduced presence in the Jammu region. In such hilly and forested terrains, a higher ratio of security forces to militants is essential for effective counter-insurgency operations. The central government's focus on Kashmir post-2019 has inadvertently led to a neglect of the Jammu region, where terrorist activities are now on the rise.

To counter this growing threat, there is an urgent need to increase the strength of security forces in the region and enhance the capabilities of intelligence agencies. The recent spate of attacks serves as a grim reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over, and sustained efforts are required to restore peace and security in the Jammu region.

Article By Shivaji Rathore (Adv.) 

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