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| Indian Army intensifies winter operations in Kishtwar, Doda to flush out Pakistani Terrorists | | | 
early times report
Jammu, Dec 27: As winter tightens its grip over the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and the 40-day period of Chillai Kalan sets in, Indian Army has stepped up counter-terrorism operations in the districts of Kishtwar and Doda.
According to sources in the defence establishment, this year marks a clear departure from traditional winter patterns, with the Army and other security agencies maintaining sustained operational activity despite severe weather conditions.
Historically, heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and limited access to remote mountain areas have resulted in a reduction of terrorist activity during winter months.
This seasonal slowdown was often used by terrorist groups to seek concealment and regroup in difficult terrain. However, officials indicate that security forces have now adopted a proactive winter posture to ensure that adverse weather no longer provides space for such elements to evade scrutiny.
Army units have expanded their presence into higher and snowbound areas, establishing temporary posts and observation bases to maintain pressure on potential hideouts. Regular patrols are being conducted across ridgelines, forests and valleys even in challenging weather conditions. This approach reflects an evolving operational mindset that prioritises continuity and adaptability, ensuring that surveillance and domination of sensitive areas remain uninterrupted throughout the year.
A key aspect of the ongoing operations is close coordination among multiple agencies. The Indian Army is working in concert with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Special Operations Group, Civil Administration, Forest Department personnel and Village Defence Guards. This integrated framework enables timely intelligence sharing, efficient use of resources and coordinated planning thereby reducing gaps in the overall security grid.
Intelligence inputs from various agencies are consolidated and carefully verified before action is initiated. Joint operations are then planned with clear roles and responsibilities, allowing for swift response once actionable information is available. Officials note that this collaborative approach has significantly improved situational awareness and operational responsiveness in difficult terrain.
Based on recent assessments by intelligence agencies, the number of active Pakistani terrorists in the Jammu region is currently estimated to be around 30 to 35. These terrorists are believed to have moved deeper into higher and middle mountain areas that are largely uninhabited, in an attempt to avoid detection and direct engagement with the security forces. The lack of access to populated areas, combined with sustained security presence at lower altitudes, has constrained their movement and logistical capabilities.
There have been occasional reports of attempts by these elements to seek shelter or supplies from isolated habitations. However, officials state that local support networks have weakened considerably and increased vigilance has further limited such efforts. The reduced local facilitation has contributed to the isolation of these groups, affecting their ability to regroup or plan significant actions.
The winter strategy being followed by security forces focuses on two broad objectives: neutralising remaining terrorist pockets and ensuring that hostile elements remain confined to inhospitable terrain. To achieve this, operations are being conducted simultaneously across valleys, mid-altitude zones and high ridges, creating overlapping layers of control. Areas cleared during operations are placed under continued observation to prevent re-infiltration. |
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