Context : Resurgence in Jammu Region:
- Jammu region saw a significant rise in militant activity, involving all 10 districts in 2024.
- Security forces faced more casualties than militants in Jammu, indicating a shift in militant tactics, with militants employing more sophisticated training and survival strategies.
- The Pir Panjal Valley, covering Rajouri and Poonch districts, has been a key area of militant resurgence since 2020, the first such occurrence since 2005.
Relevance :GS 3(Internal Security )
Casualty Statistics:
- Jammu Region: 18 security personnel were killed versus 13 militants in about 30 encounters (ambushes and operations).
- Kashmir Region: 55 militants killed, with 10 security personnel dead.
- The Jammu region saw a higher ratio of security personnel killed compared to militants, reflecting a new challenge for security forces.
Militant Tactics and Areas of Operation:
- Militants in Jammu adapted to the region’s terrain, using forested areas and difficult-to-access ridges in Kathua, Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar districts to avoid detection and launch attacks.
- The militants took advantage of the difficult geography, including out-of-bound passes with no motorable access, for operations.
Militancy-Related Casualties:
- Jammu Region: 14 civilian deaths, including 9 pilgrims killed in Reasi on June 9.
- Kashmir Region: 16 civilian deaths, highlighting an increase in civilian-targeted violence.
- Militants attacked a tunnel project in Ganderbal, resulting in 7 deaths, including 6 laborers and 1 doctor.
Increased Security Measures:
- A special National Security Guard (NSG) unit, known as the Black Cats, was stationed in Jammu for the first time this year to respond to the rising militant threat.
- Chenab Valley: Security forces are on high alert, particularly in Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar, where over 30 militants are believed to be operating, but only 13 militants were neutralized.
Crackdown on Militants and Supporters:
- Arrests and Actions: 168 locals were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for supporting militants. Fourteen houses linked to militants and their supporters were attached.
- The crackdown on militants and their supporters has been ongoing, with significant enforcement actions in both Jammu and Kashmir regions.
Impact on Security Forces:
- The Jammu region is facing a challenging environment with militant sleeper cells active in many districts, particularly in areas historically used as infiltration routes.
- Security personnel, including elite PARA units, have suffered high casualties, indicating a shift in the nature of militancy in the region.
Key Attacks and Incidents:
- The Ganderbal attack, which occurred in October 2024, targeted a strategic tunnel project linking Kashmir and Ladakh, signaling a rise in high-profile attacks.
- The Reasi attack in June was another high-profile incident where militants killed pilgrims, adding to the growing civilian casualties.
Long-Term Implications:
- The resurgence of militancy in Jammu suggests a longer–term shift in militancy dynamics, with Jammu, historically seen as an infiltration route, now facing a fully-fledged militant insurgency.
- The operational tactics of militants have evolved, demanding enhanced counter-insurgency strategies and additional resources to combat the growing threat.
