Counter-terror operations in districts such as Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar, where militant movement is not uncommon, are becoming longer and more complex due to multiple factors.
The increasing duration of search operations to track Pakistani terrorists who infiltrate these districts raises important questions about the changing nature of the threat and the strategies required to counter it. Such operations have highlighted the evolving challenges faced by security forces in tracking and neutralising small groups of militants.
A similar operation is underway in the Gambhir Mughlan forests of Rajouri district, where a joint anti-terror operation has been continuing since May 23. It is believed that a group of two to three terrorists is hiding deep inside the forest area, prompting the deployment of additional forces. The operation is being conducted jointly by the J&K Police, Army and CRPF.
The Pir Panjal region, comprising Rajouri and Poonch, along with the mountainous terrain of Kishtwar, presents significant challenges in tracing small groups of terrorists. Dense forests provide ideal cover, enabling militants to remain concealed for extended periods without detection.
Despite technological support such as drones, surveillance equipment and sniffer dogs, locating small groups remains difficult. In Kishtwar, four terrorists were killed earlier this year during Operation Trashi-I, which continued for more than a month.
Another reason anti-terror operations have become prolonged is the shift in militant tactics. Instead of operating in larger groups, terrorists now move in units of two to three and remain highly mobile in forested areas. Even when locals provide specific inputs, security forces often find it difficult to locate them as they rarely stay at one place for long.
The terrorists rely on forest-survival techniques learned in Pakistan and attempt to flee after encounters with security forces.
Weather and environmental conditions further complicate operations in high-altitude forest regions. Unpredictable rainfall and other natural factors often hamper movement and slow the progress of security personnel.
While security forces have adopted a multi-layered approach, enhanced coordination among intelligence agencies, local police and the Army remains crucial for generating actionable intelligence before terrorists disappear into dense forest cover.
