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Security forces in Jammu have intensified their counter-terror operations in Jammu region to ensure that the infiltrating militants no longer gain an upper hand. And if the last two months are anything to go by, the forces have certainly made a redeeming difference to a once tough situation. Over the past year, a series of well-coordinated crackdowns have disrupted militant activity, particularly in Poonch, Rajouri and Chenab Valley that had seen a worrying surge in violence. The blending of intelligence, technology, and community participation is certainly beginning to bear fruit, though the road ahead remains challenging
In recent years, Rajouri and Poonch have been at the center of militant activity. But as security forces ramped up operations, insurgents have reportedly forayed into newer areas like Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar. This has raised fresh security concerns, more so with militants increasingly setting up base in forests, where they are turning out to be difficult to track down for the security forces. This is also apparent from the militancy related violence in the union territory last summer, most of which has been concentrated in the hilly terrain stretching from Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu division up to the hilly areas in parts of Kashmir Valley. Last year, militants struck both at Z-Morh tunnel and Gulmarg causing loss of the lives of security personnel and civilians. The hill warfare has confronted security forces with new formidable challenges. The militants operating out of forests are difficult to locate and once located, difficult to engage with in an encounter. Most of the militancy related violence in recent years in which security personnel have been killed has taken place inside or close to forests.
What is turning the tables on the ground now is the growing synergy between the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary units. This has ensured that intelligence leads are acted upon in real-time. Besides, advances in surveillance technology have helped forces stay ahead of the curve, while crackdowns on financing have squeezed militants’ ability to operate.
The results are already visible in Rajouri and Poonch, where terror incidents have notably declined. But there’s no room for complacency. Militants have a history of adapting when under pressure, and with summer approaching—a period when infiltration attempts peak—security forces will have to remain a step ahead. They invariably have done so in the past, ensuring their survival. But security forces have also brought the situation back from the brink, often against heavy odds. If the current momentum holds, 2025 could see an even sharper drop in militant activity.
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