Army deploys two brigades as it steps up hunt for terrorists in Kathua forests
Following the launch of Operation Sindoor after the killing of 26 people in Pahalgam, the Army has now intensified its search for terrorists suspected to be hiding deep within the forested areas of the Jammu division.
The primary focus of the search is Kathua district, from where it is suspected that terrorists infiltrate from the International Border (IB) and then use traditional routes to reach Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and other parts of the region.
Notably, the Army has deployed two brigades and established a mobile network in the remote areas of the Billawar region in Kathua. This move is expected to not only provide enhanced security to the local population but also enable better surveillance and communication in far-flung areas through improved connectivity.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, during his visit to Jammu, said that one brigade had been deployed at Sarthal, while another had been stationed in the Rampur township of Billawar. “This will not only provide round-the-clock Army surveillance in the area but the Army personnel will also maintain regular liaison with the civil administration, with the Brigadier and the District Magistrate concerned constantly being in touch with each other,” the Minister said.
The decision to bolster Army presence came after intelligence agencies revealed that terrorists were able to reach the mountainous areas via the dense forests of Kathua. Soldiers will now closely monitor these jungles, through which traditional infiltration routes meander.
Terrorists often take shelter in natural caves and ‘dhoks’ (temporary nomadic shelters), frequently shifting their locations to avoid detection.
On Sunday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Rising Star Corps also visited the border areas of Jammu to assess operational preparedness and interacted with troops of the Tiger Division.
Sources in the intelligence community have indicated that under the revised strategy, terrorists hiding in forest areas will be tracked and neutralised. “It is believed that there are multiple groups of Pakistani-trained ultras who are hiding in different districts of Jammu division. The estimates are that there might be 35-40 terrorists hiding in the forests and are being helped by Over Ground Workers (OGWs),” sources said.
Multiple intelligence sources further confirmed that efforts are underway to plug infiltration points along the IB, while also securing civilian populations in the hinterland. “Earlier, most of the attacks were limited to security forces, but it is now suspected that Pakistani terrorists might attempt attacks on civilians. This makes it essential to ensure the safety of areas, particularly those with Hindu populations,” said sources.
With terrorist movements detected in various areas of Kathua district, security forces are also focusing on safeguarding areas inhabited by significant Hindu communities. During the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir on April 22, tourists were reportedly targeted by terrorists after being asked about their religious identity.
In addition to the Army, the J&K Police have also deployed personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG) in vulnerable areas.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Sandeep Mehta, visited the Bhaderwah area on Saturday to review the security situation. There have been inputs suggesting terrorist movement in the region over the past three to four days. Locals, during an interaction with the SSP, requested regular training to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities in the event of counter-insurgency operations.
J & K