How security forces have increased winter operations against terrorists in J&K | Details
Adopting the pro-active winter posture, the army has established bases and surveillance posts in snow-covered areas to put pressure on potential terrorists' hideouts. They have increased their vigilance in valleys, high-altitude ridgelines, and forests to deny any sanctuaries to terrorists.
Srinagar: Even as the 40 days of Chillai Kalan gripped Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces have intensified their operations against terrorist groups isn Doda and Kishtwar districts. Chillai Kalan is the 40-day bone-chilling winter period in the Union Territory which starts from December 21 and continue till January 31. It is the harshest winter season in J&K.
Normally, the period remains calm, with most activities are stopped during the period. With intelligence inputs suggesting 30-35 Pakistani terrorists hiding in Jammu, the army units have intensified their operational reach in high altitude areas, to neutralise these terrorists attempting to exploit the condition.
Security forces adopt winter posture
Adopting the pro-active winter posture, the army has established bases and surveillance posts in snow-covered areas to put pressure on potential terrorists' hideouts. They have increased their vigilance in valleys, high-altitude ridgelines, and forests to deny any sanctuaries to terrorists. As per experts, the shift suggests shift in counter terrorism efforts of the Indian Army.
It is believed that the terrorists are looking for temporary winter hideouts to avoid being caught by security forces. They are trying to put pressure on locals to provide them with shelter and food supplies, even as support for them have declined at the local level.
Increase in surveillance
The lack of support among locals and the increase in surveillance by security forces have forced these terrorists into isolation, news agency ANI reported, restricting their attempt to regroup or plan attacks.
In recent times, the Indian Army has launched concurrent operations along mid-altitude regions and high ridges deny any potential movement corridor by the terrorists. Each operation ensures that the cleared areas remain under watch. This "surveillance-sweep-surveillance" cycle has played an important role in the Army's new winter doctrine.
Security forces using modern technology
The security forces are also taking the help of modern technology to check any kind of terrorist activity. Right from drone-based reconnaissance to surveillance radars, a number of tools are being used to detect terrorist movements.