In response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack that left 26 people dead, including a Nepali citizen, Indian security forces have identified specific terror launch pads and training camps across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The swift action comes less than 40 hours after the attack, highlighting the urgency of India’s response.
Table of Contents
Key Details on the Terrorist Threat
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Infiltration Attempts: Intelligence suggests that 150–200 trained terrorists are stationed in PoK, poised for infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.
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Pakistan Army’s Role: Reports indicate that the Pakistan Army is facilitating these infiltration attempts. A recent failed attempt near the Battal sector resulted in heavy casualties for the 642 Mujahid Battalion.
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Terrorist Groups Active: Intelligence reveals that terrorist groups Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have 60 active foreign terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, with 17 local terrorists operating in the region.
Intelligence and Army Response
Indian intelligence agencies have been closely monitoring these facilities for months, and a detailed briefing was provided to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Indian Army is considering several tactical options to reinforce counter-infiltration efforts, including:
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Enhanced Precision Surveillance: Expanding surveillance capabilities to track infiltrators more effectively.
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Strengthening the Counter-Infiltration Grid: Increasing the strength and coordination of security forces to counter infiltration attempts.
Strategic Recommendations
The Indian Army has shared its recommendations and operational options with the government, focusing on taking decisive actions to prevent further infiltration and attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan’s High Alert on the LoC
In response to the rising tensions, the Pakistan Army has declared a high alert on its side of the Line of Control (LoC), possibly in anticipation of retaliatory actions by India.
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Ceasefire Violations: The Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire agreement three times in 2023, leading to five terrorists being killed in encounters with the Indian Army.
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Terrorist Launch Pads: Intelligence sources report that 42 terrorist launch pads are active near the LoC in PoK, with around 130 terrorists stationed there, including 115 Pakistani nationals.
Casualty and Activity Breakdown
| Region | Active Terrorists | Terrorists Killed | Districts Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Valley | 70 | Foreign terrorists | Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Kulgam |
| Jammu Region | 60–65 | 42 non-local terrorists | Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Rajouri |
| PoK (Launch Pads) | 130 | N/A | Near LoC |
Key Findings:
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Foreign Terrorists Killed: Most of the 42 non-local terrorists killed were concentrated in five districts of the Jammu region and four in the Kashmir Valley.
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Baramulla District: Leads in terrorist casualties, with 14 non-local terrorists killed in nine encounters, particularly in the Uri sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What prompted the Indian security forces’ action against terrorist camps in PoK?
The swift action was a direct response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people lost their lives. Indian forces identified terror launch pads and training camps as potential sources of future infiltration attempts.
2. How many terrorists are currently stationed in PoK?
Intelligence suggests that between 150–200 trained terrorists are stationed in various camps across PoK, primed for infiltration into India.
3. Which terrorist organizations are active in Jammu and Kashmir?
The active terrorist groups include Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with significant numbers of foreign terrorists in the region.
4. What tactical options are being considered by the Indian Army?
The Indian Army is considering expanding precision surveillance capabilities and reinforcing the counter-infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC) to prevent further terrorist activities
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