Pakistan’s hidden agenda: Using Jammu attacks to destabilise and delay Assembly elections – Opinion News

By Prof (Dr) Nishakant Ojha,

Recent incidents in the Jammu and Kashmir region have been highly sensitive. Fresh encounters with terrorists occurred as security forces conducted a search operation in a Patnitop forest in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Terrorists have been executing hit-and-run ambushes against the army, security forces, and civilians in the hilly districts of the Jammu division.

It appears that the insurgency has shifted from Srinagar to the Jammu region, including areas like Kathua, Punjab, and further into Jammu’s interior regions such as Billawar, Basantgarh, and the Machhedi-Kindli-Malhar Road in Badnota village. In previous encounters, advanced weaponry was recovered, including M-5 rifles, night vision devices, and steel bullets that can penetrate bullet proof vests, with each terrorist also possessing an average of 8-10 grenades. One theory suggests these advanced weapons may have originated from equipment left behind in Afghanistan by US and NATO forces, which then found their way to the Taliban and subsequently Pakistan, fuelling terrorist groups.

‘Global opportunity lies for MSMEs to revitalize role in innovation ecosystem, counter decline in their relevance’

Reaffirming the Geneva Conventions: A call to action on their 75th anniversary

Sun Pharma gets USFDA nod for its formulation to treat Severe Alopecia Areata

Biometric authentication to AI-based CCTV surveillance, UPSC tightens security measure to curb exam fraud

In response to the current situation the Border Security Force (BSF) has taken the situation seriously and increased security along the borders with multiple layers of defense, making it more challenging for terrorists to infiltrate the Jammu and Kashmir region. Following reports of 40-50 hardcore foreign mercenaries operating in the mountainous areas of Jammu, the army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers, including elite Para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare, across the districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Udhampur, Kathua, and Reasi.

A concerning development is the presence of foreign terrorists who are highly trained commandos from the Pakistani Army, typically aged between 20 and 27.

In my opinion the counterterrorism strategies that worked in Kashmir may not be as effective in Jammu, necessitating a new, technology-driven approach to address the evolving situation.

We should accept the rugged terrain of Jammu, characterized by mountains, plains, and dense forests, presents significant challenges for conducting military operations. With elections expected in Jammu and Kashmir in the near future, managing this complex Union territory without an elected government is impractical. The election is crucial for restoring normalcy, as J&K has been without an elected government since the last assembly elections in 2014.

Terrorist attacks in Jammu underscore Pakistan’s strategic move to extend the Kashmir conflict, revealing a shift in its tactics within the Jammu region. Without significant punitive actions and a revamped counter-terrorism strategy targeting Pakistan, further escalation of terrorist activities in J&K is probable. This appears to be a deliberate strategy by the adversary to increase terrorist incidents and create a situation that could compel the  government to postpone assembly elections once more. It is essential  and much important for the government to stop disseminating misleading narratives and confront the reality of the situation.

Security agencies, supported by local communities, must conduct carefully planned operations to dismantle terrorist networks, restore peace, and strengthen social cohesion in this strategically important region. Additionally, the Army and other agencies should prepare for night operations in the jungle, as terrorists use this time to escape. Operations are often paused at night and resumed at dawn, giving terrorists the chance to create escape routes.

The author is an Eminent Expert- National Security & Counter Terrorism. He has dedicated significant time to studying the J&K insurgency in the past, possessing deep knowledge of national security issues and a strong understanding of counter-terrorism strategies in the said region.

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of FinancialExpress.com Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}