Srinagar: Safety companies in Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with what they name the ‘hidden menace’ of ‘conservation and consolidation’ techniques employed by infiltrating terrorists, which was evident within the latest ambushes and encounters in North Kashmir and Kathua district.
Analysing the ambushes and encounters with terrorists, officers within the know of the matter mentioned whereas safety companies are on excessive alert, the dearth of ground-level intelligence — human intelligence (HUMINT) — hampers operations.
Reliance on technical intelligence (TECHINT) has not been fruitful as terrorists use on-line exercise to mislead authorities. Officers really feel that there’s an pressing want for heightened surveillance to counter international terrorists, particularly within the Jammu area.
The area, beforehand identified for its peaceable environment, has not too long ago seen a surge in terror incidents, significantly in border districts akin to Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Reasi. Assaults on an IAF convoy, a pilgrim bus and the latest killing of troopers in Kathua spotlight the evolving menace.
Underneath the “conservation and consolidation” techniques, terrorists infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir however stay quiet initially, mix in with the native inhabitants and look forward to directions from handlers in Pakistan earlier than finishing up assaults, the officers mentioned.
Although safety companies are on excessive alert in Jammu and Kashmir after uncovering the “conservation and consolidation” tactic of the infiltrating terrorists, the absence of on-ground intelligence is taking part in a spoilsport for operations.
One official defined that technical intelligence has not been that fruitful because the terrorists go away signatures on the Web solely to confuse the safety companies.
Describing this as a major shift in terrorist actions, officers emphasise the pressing want for heightened surveillance to forestall international mercenaries from finishing up their malicious intentions.
The April 26 encounter in Sopore, during which the international terrorists concerned had been hiding for 18 months, serves as a stark reminder of the “conservation and consolidation” tactic. Proof confirmed their connections with terror teams throughout Kashmir and their use of subtle weaponry.
Comparable operations in June additional dismantled hidden networks, uncovered terrorists’ plans and capabilities, and in addition threw gentle on a beforehand unseen excessive stage of infiltration from throughout the border.
Whereas two terrorists belonging to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been killed on April 26, dreaded Pakistani terrorist Usman Langda is alleged to have been killed within the June 19 encounter at Hadipora of Sopore.
The decline in HUMINT, coupled with using encrypted communication instruments like “Extremely Set” telephones by terrorists, makes monitoring them troublesome. Safety companies are urging heightened surveillance and public vigilance to counter this hidden menace.
Whereas the terrorists’ capabilities might have diminished, their intent stays a relentless menace, a senior police official mentioned.
Officers have highlighted the problem posed by way of encrypted messaging apps for radicalising and recruiting youths, and planning assaults. They’ve emphasised public vigilance in monitoring suspicious communication, particularly among the many youths, to safeguard the group.
