Pakistani state actors are reportedly facilitating the infiltration of battle-hardened terrorists from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) into India, specifically in Jammu and Kashmir, according to sources speaking to NDTV. Intelligence data and evidence collected by Indian operatives confirm a rise in infiltration attempts, supporting these claims.
Recent intercepted communications between key members of terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed indicate growing tensions between the two, particularly over their plans to carry out attacks in South Asia. “They are no longer willing to cooperate due to ideological differences,” an intelligence source revealed. The Pakistani military, which attempted to mediate between the groups, was unsuccessful, leading to JeM being used to infiltrate India. In recent months, more Jaish terrorists have been pushed into the country, the source added.
JeM follows the Deobandi sect of Sunni Islam, while LeT adheres to the Ahl-i Hadith movement, founded by 18th-century ideologue Shah Waliullah Dehlavi. Intelligence officials say the growing rift between the two groups has led to recent killings in Pakistan, including the murder of terror financier Qari Abdu Rehman, a relative of Hafiz Saeed, in Karachi.
Indian authorities investigating recent infiltration attempts in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district identified the terrorists as members of JeM. “NATO weapons were recovered from them, including M4A1 assault rifles and Glock handguns,” an intelligence officer noted, referring to arms typically used by Western forces. In contrast, weapons recovered from LeT terrorists were either made in Pakistan or China.
Of the approximately 120 terrorists hiding in Jammu and Kashmir, around 95 percent are foreigners, all reportedly affiliated with JeM. The escalating rift between the groups, however, has become advantageous for Indian security forces. In some cases, rival factions have leaked the locations of enemy terrorists. In one instance, a kidnapped man was revealed to be a JeM operative after being abducted by LeT.
“India is adjusting its strategies in response to these changing dynamics,” another officer said, noting the evolving nature of the situation. After JeM was displaced by Pervez Musharraf and operated primarily along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, their presence in Pakistan grew after Imran Khan’s rise to power. The group has increasingly concentrated around Bhawalpur in recent years, signaling the deepening split between the two terror organizations.
To manage the growing threat, Pakistani authorities have reportedly provided safe passage for JeM terrorists to cross into Jammu and Kashmir. Infiltration attempts have surged, with terrorists using tunnels, riverine areas, and even cutting through fences to enter India. However, they often arrive with limited supplies and struggle to find resources in Jammu, Indian police noted.
A recent incident in Kathua saw villagers alerting the authorities after three suspected terrorists sought food. The police’s enhanced human intelligence (HUMINT) network has been credited with providing key tips, contributing to successful operations.
In response to the rising threat, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed security forces to increase vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). Additional Border Security Force personnel are being deployed, and a second layer of security is being reinforced. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to visit the Jammu region this week to review security measures and may visit some forward areas.
