Jammu on Terrorist Radar

Repeated terrorist encounters in Jammu region must prompt the re-strategizing of the operations against the terror modules that are operating in Jammu. The outbreak of two encounters-one in Udhampur and another in Kishtwar makes it clear that terrorists are encircling Jammu and there is a broader game plan to hold Jammu in pincer. Within a few days of Kathua encounter and ceasefire violation Poonch, terrorists have struck again. The common reason for the simultaneous terror attacks in Jammu region is the melting of snow in the upper reaches. As it is well known that Pakistan indulges in infiltration to make armed terrorists sneak in and the closure of mountain passes due to snow fall in the winters restricts their movements meant to indulge in causing death and destruction in Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday an encounter broke out in the Udhampur district when the security forces were able to establish contact with the terrorists at Jopher village in Ram Nagar. As per the reports two to three terrorists were trapped during the encounter. It is pertinent to mention that three terrorists were trapped in Kathua and it led to the exchange of fire between them and the security forces. Another encounter has also broken out between the terrorists and the security forces in Chatroo area of Kishtwar. Series of terrorist incidents must raise alarm bells as this seems to be an improvised strategy to keep the Jammu region on the boil. The traditional analysis of melting of snow paving the way for the infiltration of the trained mercenaries is too simplistic. In the previous year we witnessed the prolonged siege of Rajouri by the terrorist who held the armed forces in ambush for many months. It means that the terror modules that are active in the Jammu region are well trained and have been deployed to cause destabilisation. The modus operandi of these networks needs to be studied and strategies framed to dismantle their infrastructure. One thing is clear that they have infiltrated into strategic areas and are acting with impunity and creating panic and fear. What is noteworthy is that they are trying to strike to disrupt the highways. This pattern of terrorism in Jammu needs to be countered with a proactive strategy. Within a few hours of Home Minister Amit Shah’s departure after his three days visit reveals that the terror operatives are working as per the plan to send a clear message that they are active and can act with impunity by causing disturbances and losses. There is a need to upgrade the collaboration between different security agencies and the security forces that includes the swift working of the intelligence agencies, whose timely inputs can lead to decisive strike on the terror modules. So that human tragedies are averted. The repeated terror attacks and encounters in Jammu point towards a breach in security preparedness and policy to strike at the root of the terror modules. Terrorists can’t be allowed to strike with impunity and hold the general public to ransom. Well-coordinated efforts are needed on the part of intelligence agencies and security forces to decimate the terror infrastructure. The Home Minister on his three day visit has taken stock of the on ground situation. He must have been briefed by the security agencies about the terror challenges in Jammu region. Now it has to be seen as to what policy will be framed to save Jammu from the continued onslaught of the terrorists, who are making their presence felt in different districts of Jammu. The series of encounters in different districts of Jammu must alert the security agencies. As any lapse can lead to grave human tragedy and that must be pre-empted. Terror modules in Jammu need to be busted to maintain peace and normalcy.