Ahead of the New Year, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have rolled out a multi-pronged strategy to prevent terror activities across the Union Territory. The measures include a heightened vigil along the borders, intensified cordon and search operations in sensitive regions, and a significant crackdown on the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services in several districts.
Widespread Search Operations in Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal
Joint teams of security forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched coordinated cordon and search operations (CASOs) at multiple locations. These operations are concentrated in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal regions, based on specific intelligence inputs regarding terrorist movement.
Officials stated that searches have been ongoing for the past few days in over half a dozen places within the adjoining Doda and Kishtwar districts. The specific areas under scrutiny include Chatru, Singhpur, Domail, Keshwan, Thackrai, Naidgam, and the upper reaches of Doda bordering Kishtwar. Security forces have reportedly established contact with terrorists in some of these locations recently.
Intelligence suggests the presence of two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) groups, comprising nearly half a dozen terrorists, in these districts. Additionally, the longest-surviving Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Jahangir Saroori, is believed to be active in the area. Similar search operations, aided by drones and sniffer dogs, have also been conducted in the border district of Poonch, including areas near the Line of Control (LoC).
Ban on VPN Services to Disrupt Militant Networks
In a parallel move to cripple communication channels of anti-national elements, district administrations in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir have banned the use of VPN services. Authorities state that the ban is a preventive measure to stop the misuse of the internet by militants, their sleeper cells, and handlers across the border.
The latest districts to impose this ban are Shopian, Kupwara, and Kulgam. Their respective District Magistrates have warned of legal action against violators. This follows similar bans already in effect in multiple districts of the Jammu province, including Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Poonch, and Rajouri.
The enforcement is already underway. Police in Doda have booked two individuals for using VPN services in violation of the ban, while another person was arrested in Rajouri district on December 14 for using a VPN application on his mobile phone.
A police officer explained the rationale, stating, "Over the last few years, we have observed that militants, their handlers, and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) mostly used VPNs to contact each other and stay below the radar." He added that preventing this misuse helps "effectively nip their plans in the bud."
Enhanced Border Deployment and Village Defence Training
To thwart any potential infiltration attempts under the cover of winter fog, additional troops have been deployed along the International Border (IB) in the Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts. This step was taken following intelligence reports of increased activity at terror launch pads on the Pakistani side.
Internally, security has been tightened on key highways. Joint nakas (checkpoints) by police and security forces have been set up at various points along the Jammu-Pathankot national highway, with vehicles being thoroughly checked in Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts.
Furthermore, efforts to bolster local security infrastructure have been accelerated. In Doda district, the training of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) has been stepped up. Approximately 150 VDGs from 17 remote villages along the Doda-Chamba border are currently receiving training in handling automatic rifles, self-defence techniques, bunker construction, and strategies to repulse terrorist attacks.
While no major infiltration attempt has been reported on the International Border in the Jammu region in recent months, the comprehensive security overhaul underscores the administration's focus on maintaining peace and stability as the year draws to a close.
