Srinagar, Dec 15: In a strategic move to combat suspicious activities and bolster counter-terrorism efforts, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Protection Force (FPF) has significantly heightened surveillance across the Pir Panjal range, covering all divisions in the Union Territory.
The specialized wing of the FPF has been directed to maintain a heightened presence in the forests, implementing escalated patrols, surprise walks, and checkpoints to address challenges related to deforestation and encroachment in crucial green areas. Forest personnel are now equipped with 303 single-load rifles, while officers are armed with pistols.
Assistant Director Tariq Mehmood Khan stated, “We have intensified surveillance across the Pir Panjal range, including all divisions in the Union Territory. Our personnel have received arms and ammunition from the past years, followed by weapon familiarization and other necessary steps to tackle emerging challenges effectively.”
Khan highlighted the various measures taken by the FPF, including the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as long-range patrols, area domination patrols, and surprise walks in vulnerable deforestation-prone areas. The region faces challenges such as illegal encroachments, unauthorized road construction, and timber smuggling.
He further explained, “Over the years, we have seen major challenges identified, including illegal encroachments leading to the construction of houses and structures, unauthorized road construction, and tree cutting contributing to deforestation.”
Khan emphasized the empowerment of the FPF, stating, “Earlier, FPF had no powers of seizures, and now recently the government has empowered them. They can seize, take action against the smugglers independently. For this, a special SO58 Circular was issued by the government on November 13.”
Joint Director FPF Kashmir Division, Irfan Wani, affirmed the force’s readiness, saying, “We have weapons and whenever the need arises, we can use them.”
A defence expert from Jammu highlighted the vital role FPF can play in counter-terrorism efforts, especially in the Pir Panjal region, which has witnessed several terrorist attacks in recent years. The FPF’s unique advantage lies in its in-depth knowledge of the forest terrain, facilitating effective tracking of suspects.
The expert mentioned, “FPFs possess a unique advantage in tracking suspects due to their in-depth knowledge of forest terrain. We have already communicated with department officials, urging them to promptly inform authorities whenever there is any suspicion of movement.”
Pertinent to mention in January, seven civilians were killed in a terrorist attack in Dhangri, followed by the death of two others in an IED blast. In October, five Army soldiers, including two captains, were killed in action. Two terrorists, including a Pakistani, were also killed in the encounter.
