In a fierce gunfight with heavily armed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Monday night, four Army personnel were killed. This marks the third major terror incident in Jammu in three weeks and the seventh since the new NDA government was sworn in.
Recent Incidents Highlighting the Escalation
On July 8, five Army personnel lost their lives, and as many were injured in a terrorist ambush in Kathua district. Just a day prior, an Army personnel was injured in a terrorist attack on a security post in Rajouri district. These incidents underscore a worrying trend of increased militant activities in the region.
On June 9, a terrorist attack on a bus in Reasi district resulted in the deaths of nine pilgrims and injuries to 42 others. This attack coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his council of ministers taking their oaths for a fresh term. The ‘People’s Anti-Fascist Front’ initially claimed responsibility for the Poonch-Rajouri attacks, while the ‘Kashmir Tigers’ took credit for the subsequent assaults in Doda and Kathua. Both groups are believed to be fronts for the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), as reported by The Express.
The Profile of the Terrorists
The terrorists involved in these attacks are described as highly trained and motivated individuals. They potentially include former Pakistan Army soldiers and fighters with experience in Afghanistan. The precision of these assaults, along with the use of advanced technology like body cameras, indicates the presence of seasoned combatants, possibly from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, who have fought alongside the Taliban.
Technological and Propaganda Sophistication
The terrorists have been making sophisticated videos of their attacks using body cameras. A backend team adds text in impeccable literary English for propaganda purposes. These videos sometimes even quote noted authors and poets such as Robert Frost, as per an Armed Forces officer quoted by The Express. This level of sophistication in their propaganda efforts highlights their strategic intent to influence and intimidate both local and international audiences.
Government and Military Response
The Indian Army, along with para commandos and aerial support from drones and helicopters, has intensified its operations to eliminate these terrorists. Despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, efforts are ongoing to track down and neutralize the militants. The Army has reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through relentless operations.
In response to these escalating threats, the government and security forces are expected to bolster their counter-terrorism strategies and enhance coordination among various security agencies. The use of advanced surveillance technologies and increased intelligence-sharing will be crucial in preventing further attacks and ensuring the safety of civilians and security personnel alike.
The recent surge in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir poses a significant challenge to the region’s stability and security. The loss of Army personnel and innocent civilians underscores the need for a robust and coordinated response to counter these threats. As the government and security forces work tirelessly to address this situation, the resilience and vigilance of the Indian populace remain paramount in the face of such adversity.
