In response to a recent surge in terror attacks and intelligence reports indicating the presence of foreign terrorists in the Jammu region, the Central Government has decided to bolster its counter-militancy efforts by deploying two battalions of Assam Rifles to the area. This move follows the earlier deployment of 3,000 Army personnel and 2,000 Border Security Force (BSF) jawans.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has authorized the transfer of approximately 2,000 Assam Rifles personnel from Manipur to Jammu. These battalions, previously stationed in Manipur, will be replaced there by an equal number of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans. The Assam Rifles, operating under the MHA and managed by an Army Lieutenant General, will be integrated into the security framework of Jammu to intensify anti-terror operations.
The deployment decision comes amid reports that over 50 foreign terrorists may be hiding in the forests of Doda, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Kathua districts. The addition of the Assam Rifles personnel is expected to enhance the existing security grid, particularly in the mountainous and forested areas where terrorists are believed to be sheltered in natural caves and other hideouts.
The Assam Rifles’ previous role in the Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra security will now be transitioned to counter-terror operations in Jammu. This shift will involve active participation in ongoing operations alongside the Army, paramilitary forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP).
Earlier, 2,000 BSF personnel were airlifted from Odisha to secure the International Border in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts, due to concerns about potential infiltration by Pakistani terrorists. Additionally, 3,000 Army personnel were recently deployed to further strengthen operations against terrorism in the region.
To enhance security, permanent pickets are being established in the mountainous areas of Jammu. These pickets will be manned 24/7 to monitor and neutralize terrorist activities. The strategy aims to not only control the current threats but also prevent new militants from entering the forests and setting up hideouts. Measures are also being taken to contain the movement of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who may support the terrorists.
Local police will play a crucial role at these pickets due to their familiarity with the terrain and routes. In addition to the pickets, security forces are setting up camps in other vulnerable areas to keep watch on terrorist movements. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu Police is also establishing camps in key mountainous areas to support these efforts.
The intensified operations reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling terrorism in the Jammu region, with a focus on both immediate counter-terrorism measures and long-term security enhancements.
