Winter is coming: Here's how the Indian army is fortifying its anti-infiltration grid along LoC

As part of the winter readiness plan, select units will be rotated from their permanent bases to new areas of responsibility.

As the Kashmir Valley braces for its first winter since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that triggered Operation Sindoor and renewed hostilities with Pakistan, the Indian Army has launched a comprehensive exercise to fortify its anti-infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC).

These measures include sealing and securing key mountain passes, strengthening the border fence, enhancing surveillance systems, and redeploying troops to sensitive zones, it has been learnt from a report by The Indian Express.

According to senior security officials cited in the report, intelligence inputs suggest that infiltration attempts by Pakistan-based terrorists would likely rise before snowfall cuts off traditional routes. Terror operatives are also expected to modify their infiltration tactics this season, forcing the Army to recalibrate its operational strategies, states the report.

Unlike previous years when militants established a single hideout deep in remote terrain, they are now believed to be using multiple smaller shelters within a few kilometres of each other, frequently shifting locations under snow cover to evade detection.

Terrorists are expected to restrict communication from hideouts, opting instead to use local mobile networks near populated areas rather than encrypted apps to blend in with normal traffic and avoid interception, said sources cited in the report.

It should be mentioned that in earlier operations, militants were found using Ultra Set communication devices, radio systems paired with mobile phones lacking SIM cards, to send encrypted messages across the LoC and then immediately power down the equipment, making surveillance difficult.

To counter evolving tactics, the Army plans to deploy additional technologies, including advanced thermal imagers, upgraded cameras, and small surveillance drones.

Not just this. Human intelligence gathering alongside technical inputs, improving on lessons from previous counter-terror operations, will also be given utmost importance.

As part of the winter readiness plan, select units will be rotated from their permanent bases to new areas of responsibility. Officials cited by The Indian Express have stated that such redeployments will help prevent complacency, familiarise troops with fresh terrain, and enhance overall area domination.

Furthermore, the Indian Army is forming faster Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and expanding drone capabilities, including the possible induction of Kamikaze drones, to strengthen response time and operational flexibility. Alongside, inter-agency coordination is being tightened to ensure seamless intelligence sharing and faster action against infiltration attempts before the harsh Valley winter sets in.