“Since the June 9 militant attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu has seen a surge in militant activity, with the security establishment often the target. At least 10 security personnel have been killed and several others injured in encounters in Jammu division’s Reasi, Kathua, and Doda districts since then. In a strategic shift, militants have redirected their focus toward the Jammu region. Over the past three years, there has been an increase in militant attacks resulting in casualties among security forces. The Jammu region has seen a significant increase in militant activities over this period, leading to the deaths of 52 security personnel and 62 militants since 2021.”
A recent encounter in Doda district has once again exposed gaps in the security infrastructure in a region that had seen long periods of peace until recent years. The clash, which occurred last week in the Koti forests of Doda, resulted in the tragic deaths of four Army personnel, including a Captain. The fallen soldiers, all from the Rashtriya Rifles, were identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra, and Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh.
Condemnation, Homage from Centre Leaders: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the militant attack on security forces in Doda district, asserting that the deaths of the soldiers would be avenged and the militants and their associates would be thwarted. Paying homage to the brave-hearts, he urged the people to unite in the fight against militancy and provide accurate information to support “anti-militancy operations and neutralize the militant ecosystem.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Indian Army chief, who apprised him of the ground situation and the ongoing operation in Doda. Offering condolences to the families, Singh wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army Soldiers in a counter-militant operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K). “My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The counter-militant operations are underway, and our soldiers remain committed to eliminating the scourge of militancy and restoring peace and order in the region.”
HM Amit Shah For More Curbs On Militancy: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed security forces in Jammu and Kashmir to adopt similar tactics in the Jammu region as they did in Kashmir to contain militancy. Shah, during a meeting, issued clear directions to replicate the success achieved in the Kashmir Valley through “zero militancy” and area dominance plans in the Jammu region with a focus on sensitive areas.
Homage from Military, Police Top Brass: Northern Army Commander, GOC White Knight Corps, Director General of Police (DGP), ADGP Jammu, and Divisional Commissioner Jammu also paid homage to the personnel killed in action. “I salute the brave warriors who displayed exemplary courage and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. The nation will never forget the sacrifice made by the gallant heroes. The entire nation stands firmly with the families of slain soldiers in this hour of grief,” he said. Former Director General of Police SP Vaid commented on the seriousness of the situation in the Jammu region, noting the increase in militant activity from Rajouri and Poonch to Reasi, Kathua, Billawar, and Doda. He stressed the need for well-organized and strategically planned operations to eliminate these militants.
PM Modi’s Security Review: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, which includes Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, amid a surge of militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Last month, PM Modi chaired a review meeting to assess the security situation in J&K. He spoke with Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, receiving an overview of the security-related situation, including armed forces’ counter-militant operations.
HM’s Stress On Coordination: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday emphasized the need for improved coordination among agencies to dismantle militant networks and their support systems. During a high-level meeting with security and law enforcement heads, Shah reviewed the operations of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which addresses national security challenges. Shah urged all security, intelligence, and enforcement agencies to adopt a unified approach to national security. He stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration within the MAC to create a cohesive platform for law enforcement, anti-drug, cybersecurity, and intelligence agencies to act decisively and promptly.
Jammu Under PMO’s Lense: Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively reviewing the security situation and has implemented a new strategy to neutralize militants. Singh highlighted the revival of village defense guards (VDGs), which have been vital in counter-militancy efforts. Singh assured that the government is taking serious measures to address the situation, noting that the Prime Minister, along with armed and paramilitary forces, is closely monitoring developments.
Army Chief’s Security Review: The Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Jammu to review the security situation. He was briefed by the formation commanders on the areas being taken by the security forces. A security review meeting with other security agencies was also held. This was the Army chief’s second visit to Jammu and Kashmir. On July 3, he visited the Poonch-Rajouri sector to review the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC). General Upendra Dwivedi took over the command of the Indian Army on June 30. The 30th Chief of the Indian Army belongs to the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and was Vice Chief of Army Staff from February this year.
Army’s Strategic Adjustments: In view of the infiltration in the Jammu region, the Indian Army is readjusting its deployments in the area as per intelligence inputs and security requirements. The Indian Army has deployed around 500 Para Special Forces commandos in the area to hunt down the 50-55 militants from Pakistan who have entered the region to revive militancy. The intelligence agencies have also bolstered their apparatus in the area and are working to take out the militant support infrastructure there, including overground workers who support militants. The Army has already brought in troops to the area including one brigade strength of around 3,500-4000 personnel. The Army brass on the ground has been working towards strategies to search and destroy the militants, who are equipped with the latest weaponry and communication equipment. The Army already has an existing counter-militancy infrastructure in the area with the presence of two forces of the Rashtriya Rifles, including the Romeo and Delta forces along with other regular infantry divisions in the area.
Surge in Militant attacks in Jammu region: This comes a week after five soldiers were killed when militants ambushed a convoy of two Army trucks in Kathua district on July 8. Since the June 9 militant attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu has seen a surge in militant activity, with the security establishment often the target. At least 10 security personnel have been killed and several others injured in encounters in Jammu division’s Reasi, Kathua, and Doda districts since then. In a strategic shift, militants have redirected their focus toward the Jammu region. Over the past three years, there has been an increase in militant attacks resulting in casualties among security forces. The Jammu region has seen a significant increase in militant activities over this period, leading to the deaths of 52 security personnel and 62 militants since 2021. Civilian casualties during this period have reached 19.
Data About Attacks: Data indicates that 12 security personnel, including an Army major, and 10 civilians have been killed in militant attacks since January 1, 2024. Among the 62 militants killed since 2021, 21 were killed in Poonch and 21 in Rajouri, primarily while attempting infiltration towards the region. In contrast, most casualties among security forces occurred within the hinterland, often in ambushes by infiltrated militants operating with impunity. The Pir Panjal region—Rajouri and Poonch—was free from militancy since 2003, but major attacks have resumed since October 2021.
Militant Activities, Infiltration Tactics: The situation in Kashmir has notably improved, highlighting a shift in the focus of infiltration activities to the south of Pir Panjal. Infiltration is not confined solely to the Valley; more routes are being explored by militants. Handlers are currently attempting routes through Rajouri-Poonch, specifically the regions south of Pir Panjal and Jammu region. The withdrawal of troops from the region following its designation as a zero-militancy zone before 2018 inadvertently enabled militants to establish new bases. Infiltration in the Kashmir valley has decreased in comparison to other pathways. The primary focus of infiltration has now shifted predominantly to areas south of Pir Panjal and Jammu region.
PM Modi’s Statement in Parliament: Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Parliament that the fight against militancy in J&K is in its last stage and that a multi-pronged strategy had been adopted to destroy the remaining network. “Our fight against militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, in a way, is in its last stage, last leg. We are moving with a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the remaining militant network there,” PM Modi had said.
“Strengthening intelligence networks, encouraging community engagement, and ensuring seamless coordination between the Army, police, and intelligence agencies are vital steps. Implementing socio-economic development programs, bolstering border security, and engaging in counter-radicalization initiatives will help address grievances and prevent radicalization. With a comprehensive strategy that includes proactive military operations and community support, the region can hope to return to peace and security.”
Kashmir Horizon View: The recent surge in militant activity in the Jammu region underscores the evolving security challenges in an area that had seen relative peace for years. The tragic loss of four Army personnel in Doda is a stark reminder of the threats posed by militant infiltration and the need for a robust and adaptive security response. The Indian Army, intelligence agencies, and other security forces have demonstrated their commitment to countering these threats through strategic redeployments, enhanced intelligence efforts, and ongoing operations. The recent meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security and the directives issued by Home Minister Amit Shah reflect a strategic focus on replicating successful counter-militancy measures from the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region. For long-term stability, it is crucial to address the root causes of militancy, which include socio-economic factors and cross-border infiltration. Strengthening intelligence networks, encouraging community engagement, and ensuring seamless coordination between the Army, police, and intelligence agencies are vital steps. Implementing socio-economic development programs, bolstering border security, and engaging in counter-radicalization initiatives will help address grievances and prevent radicalization. With a comprehensive strategy that includes proactive military operations and community support, the region can hope to return to peace and security.
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