Jammu Faces Escalating Terror Threat

Since the new government took office on June 9, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced an uptick in terrorist activity, with four attacks occurring in the Jammu region. A significant incident involved a Lashkar-E-Taiba attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, resulting in nine deaths and 41 injuries. Authorities believe that Pakistan-based terrorists are now targeting both security forces and civilians, shifting focus from the heavily secured Kashmir Valley to the more vulnerable Jammu region. This shift is partly attributed to the abrogation of Article 370 and the complex terrain of Jammu, which terrorists exploit for infiltration.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, alongside security forces, face challenges in tracking terror modules that avoid mobile phones and rely on minimal local support. Despite establishing checkpoints and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the region remains susceptible to infiltration, especially ahead of the monsoon season. Efforts to enhance local defenses include setting up a network of informants and reviving the Village Defence Committee.
Experts suggest that Pakistan aims to disrupt upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and maintain relevance. The local population’s support has been instrumental in counter-terrorism efforts, yet the threat remains significant, with hardened Pakistani terrorists posing a pressing danger.
Security forces are on high alert, with increased coordination among agencies and community involvement to counter the escalating threat. The situation remains volatile, with officials anticipating further attacks and infiltration attempts.