Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir– In a tragic incident, an officer from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was killed in action after terrorists fired on a patrol party in the Dadu area of Udhampur. The joint patrol, comprising personnel from the CRPF and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, came under heavy fire from terrorists, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire.
The attack occurred in the Jammu region, which has seen a recent surge in terror activities, particularly in the southern reaches of the Pir Panjal range. This area, known for its thick forests and steep mountains, provides cover for terrorists, making counter-terror operations challenging.
Rise in Terror Attacks in Jammu
The incident follows a series of recent terror attacks in the region. On August 14, Captain Deepak Singh of the Indian Army was killed in action during an encounter in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. A civilian was also injured in the incident. The encounter took place during a cordon-and-search operation in the Shivgarh-Assar belt.
In response to the rising terror attacks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting in Delhi, attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The meeting focused on strategies to counter the increasing threat and secure the region.
Intelligence Reports and Security Measures
Recent intelligence reports have indicated that terrorists may target highways, which are crucial lifelines in Jammu and Kashmir. In light of these threats, the Centre has decided to deploy additional troops from the CRPF along with local police to patrol highways and adjacent areas.
On August 10, two soldiers and a civilian were killed during a gunfight between terrorists and security forces in Anantnag. The region has also witnessed attacks on army convoys in Kathua, skirmishes in Doda and Udhampur, and a failed attack by the Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district's Machchal sector.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), 28 people, including civilians and security personnel, have been killed in 11 terror-related incidents and 24 counter-terror operations up to July 21 this year.
Government's Action Plan
A senior official stated that the increased military casualties are a significant concern, prompting the rationalisation of force deployment with new combinations and strategies. While maintaining a focus on securing the Kashmir Valley, the government has also recognised the need to bolster security in the Jammu region, resulting in the mobilisation of additional forces for deployment in key areas.
One of the primary objectives of the new security strategy is to plug infiltration routes used by terrorists to enter Jammu and Kashmir. Security audits have identified about two dozen sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley and the international border in the Jammu sector. Terrorists often take help from local guides to cross over, equipped with sophisticated weapons like the American-made M4 assault rifle with infrared thermal sights and trained in jungle warfare.
Upcoming Elections in Jammu and Kashmir
In a significant development, Assembly Elections will be held in the Union Territory for the first time since 2014. Voting will take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results to be announced on October 4. This marks a major step forward in the poll body's efforts to meet a Supreme Court order to restore democracy in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30.
The recent spate of terror attacks underscores the ongoing challenges in the region, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and robust security measures to ensure the safety of civilians and security personnel alike.
