This season, there are likely to be increased infiltration attempts as the weather is supporting terrorist groups in J&K.
According to sources, central intelligence agencies alerted security forces few weeks ago that infiltration is expected to be high, with groups of two to six terrorists attempting to enter Indian territory instead of large groups. Terror outfits are not involving local terrorists in attacks on forces and civilians in Jammu and Kashmir and are using On-Ground Workers (OGWs) for shelter and as local guide, a senior intelligence official told News18. Intelligence agencies have instructed forces to look for secret supply bases and areas that could serve as shelters for these terrorists.
A senior official mentioned that Kathua, Samba, and some areas in Punjab are particularly vulnerable, along with other regions in Rajouri.
“We have intensified patrolling in vulnerable areas, and necessary systems, including CCTV, have been checked to track and record any movement. Other security measures, such as increased force deployments, have also been implemented. We have also alerted the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) to keep an eye on suspicious individuals, especially in villages close to the border,” a senior BSF official told
Sources also noted that drone movements have reached an all-time high, signaling that terror outfits are increasingly attempting to send supplies via drones this year. Officials believe that the rise in drone activity, coupled with a high number of infiltration attempts, will make this season particularly challenging for security forces.
This year, the Border Security Force (BSF) has shot down nearly 270 drones along the Punjab border, more than double the number from last year and a 1,300 per cent increase from 2021. While there is a significant rise in drone activity, there has been a decrease in the total recovery of drugs smuggled via drones. Officials believe this suggests that drones are primarily being used to transport arms and ammunition to fuel terrorism in India.
The total number of weapons recovered by the BSF has already surpassed last year’s figure (272) by the end of September (307). According to BSF data, until September, the BSF has recovered the highest number of rifles and guns from the border areas, with a nearly 50 per cent rise in the recovery of rifles.
