According to officials familiar with the matter, around 40 to 50 terrorists—mostly of Pakistani origin—are currently active across various areas in the Jammu region, raising serious security concerns. These infiltrators are believed to be part of well-known terror groups and are suspected of planning attacks to disrupt peace and ongoing public events. In response, the Indian Army has significantly intensified its counter-terrorism operations, deploying additional troops and launching coordinated search-and-destroy missions in sensitive zones. The goal, officials said, is to identify, track, and eliminate these militants at the earliest to prevent any threat to civilian life or major gatherings like the Amarnath Yatra, which is currently underway under tight security arrangements.
Militant Presence Across Eight Districts Amid Amarnath Yatra
Despite a robust and unprecedented security setup for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, intelligence agencies have reported that close to 50 Pakistani terrorists have managed to infiltrate the Jammu region, posing a major threat to peace and stability. These militants are believed to be operating across eight key districts—Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Poonch which have long been known as vulnerable areas due to their proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and difficult terrain.
Sources in the defence establishment stated that, “They belong to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfits. We have intensified anti-terror operations and are not giving them any breather.” The presence of such a high number of foreign militants has raised alarm bells, especially as these groups are known for targeting religious gatherings and civilian infrastructure.
Terrorists Rely on Local Support to Survive in Difficult Terrain
Officials also stated that it is extremely difficult for these terrorists to survive in the upper hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir without assistance from local sympathizers. This highlights the ongoing challenge of internal support networks aiding infiltration and survival of foreign terrorists in the region.
Pakistani Guide Captured While Leading Terrorists Across LoC
In a recent development on June 7, army troops apprehended a terrorist guide in Rajouri district near the Line of Control (LoC). Identified as Mohammed Arif Ahmed, he hails from Datote in the Nikiyal area of Kotli district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
He was caught near the forward Hajura post in the Gambhir sector of Rajouri while trying to lead a group of four Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists into Indian territory. Alert soldiers overpowered him before the group could advance further.
Security Forces Maintain High Alert
The Indian Army, along with security agencies, remains on high alert, especially as the Amarnath Yatra continues to draw thousands of pilgrims. Officials are determined to eliminate the terrorist threat, particularly from foreign militants who continue to cross over from PoK using local routes and networks.
