In preparation for the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, the Union government has mobilised paramilitary forces to strengthen security across the region. The move comes in response to an increase in terror attacks in the hilly areas of Jammu since June.
Intelligence reports indicate that between 60 to 80 terrorists infiltrated the Jammu region in March and April this year, prompting Pakistani efforts to push more militants across the border. In response, Indian security forces have ramped up counter-insurgency operations to address the threat.
The army has deployed an additional 3,000 troops, including 500 para commandos, to fill gaps left by the redeployment of forces following the June 2020 Galwan clash with China in Ladakh. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also moved 2,000 personnel from Odisha to the international border in Jammu. Additionally, 2,000 men from the Assam Rifles have been sent from Manipur to bolster anti-terror operations.
Enhanced surveillance measures have been implemented along the 744-kilometer Line of Control (LoC) and the 198-kilometer international border. Security forces are using modern surveillance technologies to counter aerial threats, such as drones, and are conducting anti-tunneling operations to detect cross-border tunnels.
The BSF director general, Daljit Singh, visited the Jammu border on August 22 to assess the security situation. The Union government has retained around 450 paramilitary companies, initially deployed for the annual Amarnath Yatra, to assist with election security. An additional 450 companies have also been dispatched for poll-related duties, bringing the total to approximately 900 companies.
Security forces have adopted a proactive stance to pre-empt potential terror strikes in districts such as Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch. Search operations in the upper reaches have been intensified, and security forces are monitoring highways to prevent terrorist “shoot-and-scoot” tactics.
Village Defence Guards (VDGs), composed of ex-servicemen, have been equipped with self-loading rifles (SLRs) and semi-automatic weapons to enhance village security. Former village head Dheeraj Sharma from Rajouri’s Dhangri praised the move, noting that the upgraded weaponry makes VDGs more effective in combating terrorists.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, addressing concerns about the security situation, affirmed on August 9 that democracy cannot be held hostage to terror activities, and expressed confidence in the capability of the forces and administration to handle any challenges.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are scheduled to take place in three phases—on September 18, 25, and October 1—with vote counting on October 8.
