35-40 foreign terrorists active in Jammu, security forces on high alert: Report

Recent incidents, including attacks on Hindu pilgrims and security personnel in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda underscore their continued threat. (Representatie Image)

Approximately 35-40 foreign terrorists, suspected to be former members of Pakistan's Special Services Group, are actively operating in the areas south of the Pir Panjal ranges in the Jammu sector, according to a news report citing security sources.

The terrorists are reportedly organised into small teams, each consisting of two to three members.

According to inputs from intelligence agencies and ground forces, as cited by news agency ANI, these foreign terrorists have been attempting to revive terrorism in the Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua sectors of the Jammu region over the past three years.

Recent incidents, including attacks on Hindu pilgrims and security personnel in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda underscore their continued threat.

The sources quoted above have also indicated that security assessments during recent review meetings have highlighted the necessity to bolster the second-tier counter-terrorist grid along the international border to thwart infiltration attempts. They emphasised the need to align the security measures in these areas with the comprehensive counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist strategies deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

Also Read: Amit Shah directs enhanced security measures for Jammu Division, Amarnath Yatra

Security forces have been authorised to take decisive actions against terrorist infrastructure, according to sources cited by the news agency.

Terror attacks in Jammu raise security concerns; HM Amit Shah directs vigorous response

In a series of disturbing incidents, Jammu and Kashmir faced heightened security challenges as terrorists targeted civilians and security personnel in separate attacks recently.

The first incident occurred on June 4 when terrorists unleashed a deadly assault on a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing the bus, with 53 passengers on board, to veer off the road and plunge into a gorge near Teryath village in Poni. Nine people lost their lives in the attack, and 41 others sustained injuries.

Just a week later, on June 11, terrorists struck again, this time in Kathua and subsequently in the Doda district of Jammu. In Kathua district, two assailants had reportedly approached residences seeking water just moments before opening fire. Local residents, alert to the suspicious behaviour, promptly locked their doors, thwarting the attackers' attempts. And, on June 12 in Doda, terrorists targeted an army post, injuring five soldiers along with a special police officer.

Reacting swiftly to the escalating security threats, Home Minister Amit Shah convened a crucial meeting on June 16 with top security officials. During the meeting, he directed security agencies to implement robust area domination and zero-terror plans across the Jammu division. He highlighted the need to replicate the successful strategies employed in Kashmir to achieve similar outcomes in Jammu and urged all security forces to operate in a mission mode, ensuring quick and coordinated responses to any emerging threats.