In a tragic development, four Indian Army soldiers lost their lives during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district today. Criticising the government, the Congress party shared a graphic showing that within just 38 days of the BJP government’s third term, nine terrorist attacks have been reported. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers, injuries to 13 others, and casualties among civilians, with 10 deaths and 44 injuries recorded.

What’s the reason behind recent surge in terror attacks in Jammu-Kashmir?

As per experts, terrorist tactics have notably shifted towards targeting the Jammu region instead of the traditional focus on Kashmir. Unlike the relatively peaceful Kashmir Valley in the past two decades, Jammu has witnessed an increase in violence since 2021.

The terror groups based in Pakistan have changed their strategy since the abrogation of Article 370, shifting focus from Kashmir Valley, which has a heavy presence of security forces, to Jammu.

Strategic Shift Since Article 370

Following the revocation of Article 370, terrorist groups based in Pakistan have redirected their focus from the heavily guarded Kashmir Valley to the comparatively vulnerable Jammu region.

According to a July 9 report in the Hindustan Times, an expert attributes the increase in terrorist activity to the decrease in troop presence in Jammu. Troops are being relocated from the southern Pir Panjal range to Ladakh due to the ongoing border standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control.

Infiltration and Local Support

Pakistan-based terror groups are exploiting Jammu’s vast and rugged terrain to infiltrate armed militants across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). These militants often disguise themselves as civilians, obtaining weapons from local hideouts with the assistance of guides.

Political Implications

The recent surge in terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir might be aimed at disrupting upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory later this year.

Adapting Counter-Terror Strategies

Security agencies are facing new challenges in Jammu, where traditional counter-terror tactics used in Kashmir may not be as effective. The evolving landscape demands a reassessment of security strategies to tackle the resurgence of terrorism effectively.

While Kashmir has seen a decrease in incidents like stone-pelting, the shift of militant activities to Jammu raises concerns. The expansion of terror operations into urban areas within Jammu underscores the urgent need for robust security measures to maintain communal harmony and safeguard civilian lives.