Jammu region has experienced a significant increase in terrorist attacks in recent times. By mid-June of this year alone, there have been at least 20 reported attacks, highlighting a concerning trend. This surge follows a relatively high number of 43 attacks in 2023, indicating that the security situation remains volatile and challenging. One particularly alarming incident occurred on June 9, 2024, coinciding with the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi was taking his oath of office. Terrorists targeted a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Reasi, leading to nine deaths and 33 injured. This attack underscores the shift in focus of terror groups from the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region, exploiting its complex terrain and increasing infiltration activities. To understand this shift of terror cases from Kashmir to Jammu and to shed light on the counter-terrorism strategies addressing this escalating threat, Organiser Special Correspondent Nishant Kumar Azad spoke to Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, former GOC Chinar Corps, Srinagar. Excerpts:
n On June 9th, an incident took place in Reasi, Jammu, where terrorists attacked a bus carrying Hindu devotees, resulting in nine deaths and over 30 injured. This occurred on the same day as the swearing-in ceremony of the Modi government. How do you view the timing of this attack?
Timing in terrorism is crucial. Terrorists use both kinetic power and symbolic timing as weapons. This attack was a message coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony for his third term. It was a symbolic demonstration that, despite Indian claims of control over Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan and its terrorist groups can still strike at will. It was meant to convey that Pakistan’s deep state remains invested and capable in the region, despite the abrogation of Article 370 and our
attempts to restore normalcy in Jammu & Kashmir.
So, was it an attempt to break the narrative that after the removal of Article 370, normalcy has been restored in J&K
Absolutely correct. India had set a narrative that within five years, despite two years of COVID-19, the Government had successfully gained control over almost everything. After the removal of Article 370, the terror networks of Kashmir were neutralised, the number of terrorists reduced significantly, recruitment had almost come to zero, and the situation was moving towards normalcy. However, this problem has been ongoing for 35 years and it takes time to achieve permanent normalcy. Pakistan is trying to show that despite the changes, its relevance and capabilities remain intact.
Terrorist incidents have decreased in Kashmir but increased in Jammu. What explains this strategic shift?
When terrorism is used as a proxy war, as Pakistan’s deep state does, opportunities are found where the enemy is weakest. The centre of gravity has always been Kashmir due to its religious and cultural significance to Pakistan. Moving south from the Pir Panjal hills, we see a cultural change. By the time we reach Reasi, there are more Hindu areas, and in Doda, it is about 50-50. Pakistan has focused on Kashmir for 35 years, but they also knew that Jammu had importance south of Pir Panjal. From around 1995-96, they started looking towards the Jammu region as well, although it remained a relatively subsidiary movement until around 2009-2010.
The Indian Army and security system focused more on Kashmir, with intelligence, counter-infiltration, and counter-terrorism grids being more robust there. Most units of the Rashtriya Rifles are found in Kashmir, not in Jammu. Due to this, the grid in Jammu was not as strong as in Kashmir . However, around 2010, the focus somewhat shifted largely on Kashmir as Jammu’s terrorist grid shrank . Consequently, the number of operations conducted by the security forces (SF) also reduced. In fact the reinforcing forces withdrew by 2010.
“The dense forests and high terrain of the Pir Panjal range offer natural hideouts for terrorists. Disrupting their logistics and maintaining continuous operations is crucial for countering this threat”
In 2015, incidents started happening around Samba, Vijaypur, Hiranagar, and Jammu, which were considered convenient for infiltration. While the BSF has an effective counter infiltration grid there, terrorists employed tunnelling systems to infiltrate and even the Ravi riverbed. Terrorists could reach roads in Jammu within two to three hours, hijack vehicles, and create a wider scope of attack, which is not possible in Kashmir due to the stronger grid and longer infiltration times.
Given the logistical challenges in Jammu, how does this impact security operations?
The terrain in Jammu makes it easier for terrorists to hide and operate. Dense forests, high hills, and snowy areas provide hideouts, and terrorists can reach bases within one or two nights from the Line of Control and IB. Once inside, it is very difficult to locate them. They do operate with some local support which is usually based upon money.
In Kashmir, the Indian forces have disrupted the logistics of terrorists. In Jammu, the situation is different due to the terrain and relative lack of experience in handling such operations for quite a while. Pakistan’s deep state must have assessed these weaknesses and considered shift of focus to the Jammu theatre as a viable alternative.
The Pir Panjal region once considered almost terrorism-free, has seen a resurgence. Why?
The dense forests and high terrain of the Pir Panjal range offer natural hideouts for terrorists. The region’s logistical challenges make maintaining a constant security presence hard. Terrorists can infiltrate from the Line of Control and within one or two nights reach their hideouts. Disrupting their logistics and maintaining continuous operations, as we did in Hilkaka in 2003, is crucial for countering this threat. Past operations like Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003 were successful due to continuous pressure and good logistical support for our own troops while disrupting terrorist bases. Similar sustained efforts are needed now.
You mentioned the need for improved intelligence in Jammu. How can this be achieved?
Effective intelligence gathering requires local cooperation and integration. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has been instrumental in doing this in Kashmir. A similar approach is essential, with an enhanced focus on local intelligence networks in Jammu. The Rashtriya Rifles and other forces must also adapt their strategies to the unique challenges of the region. Some additional efforts on gaining technology based intelligence will assist the overall effectiveness.
“Coordination among various security agencies and adapting counter terrorism best practices as done in Kashmir will give a fillip to our effectiveness in Jammu”
There have been reports of Chinese-made ammunition found in recent attacks. Is there a Chinese angle
to these operations?
Chinese weapons have been found in the region for over 20 years. While Pakistan receives significant support from China, I do not see this as a new development but rather a continuation of existing supply lines. The presence of Chinese arms highlights the ongoing support Pakistan receives, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate direct Chinese involvement in recent attacks. Of course US weaponry left in Afghanistan is often found in Jammu.
Lastly, given the current situation, what are the immediate steps needed to counter these threats?
Routine movements and patterns should be avoided. Convoys and logistical movements need to be varied. Terrorists monitor these patterns and create opportunities based on them. Hence, it is crucial to control and change these movements frequently to avoid predictability.
Strengthening the security grid in Jammu, enhancing local intelligence networks, and maintaining flexible, unpredictable operational routines are crucial. Additionally, continued coordination among various security agencies and adapting counter-terrorism best practices as done in the Valley will give a fillip to our effectiveness. These include an outreach to the population and taking them along in all spheres.
( Transcribed by Sonam Singh)
