Recent attacks on Hindu pilgrims and security forces in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda highlight the persistent threat posed by these foreign terrorists
Credible security sources have reported that an estimated 35-40 foreign terrorists, believed to be former members of Pakistan’s Special Services Group, are currently active in the southern areas of the Pir Panjal ranges in the Jammu sector. These terrorists operate in small teams of two to three members, with intelligence agencies and ground forces indicating efforts to revive terrorism in the Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua sectors over the past three years, according to a report.
Recent attacks on Hindu pilgrims and security forces in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda highlight the persistent threat posed by these foreign terrorists. Security experts emphasize the urgent need to bolster second-tier counter-terrorist defenses along the international border to prevent infiltration attempts. They stress the importance of aligning security measures with the robust strategies used along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir to effectively counter terrorism.
Security forces have been authorised to take decisive action against terrorist infrastructure, according to sources cited by the news agency.
Jammu and Kashmir have faced heightened security concerns following separate attacks on civilians and security personnel. On June 4, terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The assailants fired indiscriminately, causing the bus, which was carrying 53 passengers, to veer off the road and fall into a gorge near Teryath village in Poni. Nine people were killed, and 41 others were injured in the attack.
Just a week after the June 4 attack, terrorists struck again on June 11, first in Kathua and then in the Doda district of Jammu. In Kathua, two attackers approached homes asking for water before suddenly opening fire. Residents, sensing something was wrong, quickly locked their doors, preventing further harm. The following day in Doda, terrorists attacked an army post, injuring five soldiers and a special police officer.
In response to the increasing security threats, Home Minister Amit Shah held a key meeting on June 16 with top security officials. He instructed security agencies to intensify area domination and anti-terror operations throughout the Jammu region. Shah emphasized adopting successful tactics used in Kashmir to achieve similar results in Jammu. He urged security forces to operate with urgency and coordination to swiftly address any new threats.
