Army fortifies forest areas to secure Amarnath pilgrims from terror threat
In a bid to ensure the safety of Amarnath pilgrims arriving in the Union Territory from across the country, the Army has intensified its deployment in strategic forested areas of Jammu region to prevent the movement of terrorists into the Kashmir region.
Troops have been stationed deep inside forests where terrorist activity has been observed intermittently. The recent encounters in Basantgarh (Udhampur) and Chatroo (Kishtwar) were a direct result of heightened surveillance by the Army in these vulnerable zones. The Basantgarh encounter, which occurred on June 26, led to the killing of one terrorist, while the Chatroo gunfight took place on July 2.
According to sources, Pakistani terrorists who manage to infiltrate across the border often use offline mobile applications to navigate the dense forests, frequently changing locations to avoid detection. In response, the Army has launched extensive combing operations in the jungles of Jammu.
While there have been no recent infiltrations, intelligence reports suggest that around 40–50 Pakistani terrorists are currently active in districts including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar. Following the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan has reportedly re-positioned several terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in both the Kashmir and Jammu regions. “These terrorists are attempting to infiltrate, but the strengthened border security grid is effectively thwarting their plans,” sources said.
The anti-terror strategy has been revised with increased emphasis on night operations and tactics aimed at denying terrorists the opportunity to regroup or seek shelter and carry out night movement in the hill ranges.
In a proactive measure, the Army recently launched ‘Operation Shiva 2025’ in coordination with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. The operation focuses on establishing a robust security architecture along both pilgrimage routes in the Valley, especially in the wake of increased threats from Pakistan-backed proxies post-Operation Sindoor.
As part of this operation, over 8,500 troops have been deployed, supported by advanced technological and operational assets. The enhanced security framework includes a dynamic counter-terror grid, preemptive deployments, and secure corridor management. Military personnel are also assisting civil authorities, particularly in disaster response and emergency management.
To counter aerial threats, the Army has implemented a 50-point counter-unmanned aircraft system (CUAS) grid to neutralise drone threats along the yatra routes. Additionally, live monitoring of the pilgrimage paths is being conducted through Army-operated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Operation Shiva 2025
Multi-tier security setup to secure the ongoing Amarnath Yatra with deployment of 8,500 troops and a
counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid
As part of a multi-tier security setup, a dynamic counter-terrorism grid, prophylactic security deployment and corridor protection measures have been instituted
A counter-UAS grid with more than 50 C-UAS and electronic warfare (EW) systems has been put in place to neutralise drone threats apart from regular UAV missions
Engineer task forces deployed for bridge construction, track widening and disaster mitigation, with more than 150 doctors and medical personnel and a 100-bed hospital
Signal companies for seamless communication, EME detachments for technical support, and bomb detection and disposal squads have also been put in place
J & K