Jammu:
crpf: A comprehensive and high-intensity counter-terrorism operation is set to unfold across the dense forests and high-altitude regions of the Jammu division, as Indian security agencies prepare to eliminate terrorists hiding in difficult terrain before the onset of summer. The decision follows a high-level security review chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, who issued clear instructions to intensify operations and ensure that no terrorist remains active in the region when warmer months begin.
The upcoming operation is being described by senior officials as a “clean-up drive” aimed not only at neutralising armed militants but also at dismantling their entire support system, including financial networks, logistical assistance, and local facilitators. The move signals a renewed and aggressive push by the central government to restore long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
High-Level Review Signals Strategic Shift
The security review meeting, held at Jammu’s Convention Centre, brought together top officials from the Army, intelligence agencies, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and central armed police forces, including the crpf, Border Security Force (BSF), and Intelligence Bureau (IB). This was the second consecutive day of meetings during the Union Home Secretary’s two-day visit to the region.
Officials present at the meeting said that the focus was firmly on high-altitude areas and thick forest belts, particularly in districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, and parts of Samba, where terrorists have been exploiting difficult terrain to evade security forces.
Govind Mohan stressed that counter-terrorism operations must be completed before summer, a season that traditionally sees increased infiltration attempts and militant movement due to improved weather conditions and accessibility of mountain routes.
Clear Orders: No Safe Havens for Terrorists
According to sources familiar with the meeting, the Union Home Secretary issued firm directives to ensure relentless pressure on terrorists operating in forested and mountainous zones. Security agencies were instructed to conduct sustained operations, forcing militants to abandon their hideouts and making escape impossible.
Among the key instructions were:
- Intensifying combing and search operations in dense forests and high-altitude zones
- Maintaining constant surveillance to prevent terrorists from regrouping
- Neutralising militants the moment they attempt to move or resupply
- Completing operations decisively before the summer season begins
Officials said the strategy is designed to deny terrorists any opportunity to exploit seasonal advantages.
Meeting With Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
Prior to the security review, the Union Home Secretary met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the overall security situation in the Union Territory. The discussion covered ongoing counter-terrorism operations, preparedness of security forces, and emerging threats linked to cross-border terrorism.
The meeting gained added importance in the backdrop of recent attempts by Pakistan-based terror groups and intelligence agencies to destabilise the region through drone intrusions, arms drops, and infiltration bids along the International Border and Line of Control.
Pakistan-Backed Threats Remain a Concern
The review meeting comes at a crucial time, following warnings issued by senior military leadership regarding Pakistan’s continued involvement in sponsoring terrorism. Despite strong diplomatic and military messaging, including recent remarks by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, there has been no visible reduction in hostile activities from across the border.
Security officials noted that Pakistani drones have been frequently spotted in border districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, and Samba, raising concerns over arms smuggling and reconnaissance missions. These developments have reinforced the urgency of proactive operations deep inside forested areas where terrorists often take shelter after infiltrating.
Focus on Terror Ecosystem and Funding Networks
Beyond direct military action, the new strategy places significant emphasis on dismantling the broader terror ecosystem. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan directed agencies to take strict action against individuals providing logistical support, shelter, or financial assistance to terrorists.
This includes an intensified crackdown on:
- Over-ground workers (OGWs)
- Terrorist sympathisers embedded within civilian populations
- Financial conduits used to move funds
- Fake and dormant bank accounts suspected of terror financing
Investigations into terror funding are expected to accelerate, with agencies coordinating closely to trace money trails and freeze assets linked to extremist activities.
White-Collar Terror Modules Under Scanner
Officials revealed that a focused campaign will be launched against so-called “white-collar terror modules” operating covertly in Jammu and Kashmir. These networks often include educated individuals who assist terrorist organisations through financial management, recruitment, propaganda, and digital coordination.
Security agencies believe that dismantling these invisible networks is essential to ensuring that militant groups cannot regenerate even after the elimination of armed operatives.
Lessons From Operation Sindoor
During the meeting, officials reviewed the outcomes of previous counter-terrorism initiatives, including Operation Sindoor. The Union Home Secretary stressed that the lessons learned from these operations must be applied to neutralise ongoing conspiracies by terrorist groups and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
According to officials, intelligence inputs indicate that efforts are underway to revive militant activity in the Jammu region, making it imperative to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Strengthened Coordination Among Security Forces
A key highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on inter-agency coordination. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, crpf, BSF, and intelligence agencies have been instructed to operate in seamless coordination to maximise operational effectiveness.
Senior officers present at the meeting included:
- Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka
- BSF Director General Praveen Kumar
- CRPF Director General G.P. Singh
- Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat
Officials said that joint planning, shared intelligence, and coordinated execution will form the backbone of upcoming operations.
CRPF to Play a Central Role
The crpf is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming clean-up operation, particularly in difficult forest terrain and high-risk zones. With extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations, CRPF units will support local police and the Army in area domination, cordon-and-search operations, and securing vulnerable routes.
Sources indicated that additional CRPF deployments may be made in sensitive areas to ensure sustained pressure on terrorist elements and prevent their movement between regions.
Special Security Posts to Be Established
To further restrict terrorist mobility, the government has approved the establishment of special security posts in areas identified as militant-friendly terrain. These posts will act as permanent checkpoints, cutting off escape routes and preventing terrorists from moving between districts.
Officials said the presence of such posts would significantly enhance area control and reduce the chances of militants slipping through security gaps.
Border Security Gets a Boost
In parallel with internal operations, infiltration-prevention mechanisms along the border are being strengthened. The BSF has been directed to enhance surveillance, deploy advanced technology, and intensify patrolling in vulnerable sectors.
Anti-drone measures are also being upgraded to counter aerial threats posed by unmanned systems used for smuggling weapons, narcotics, and communication devices.
Civilian Safety Remains a Priority
Senior officials emphasised that while operations will be aggressive, the safety of civilians remains a top priority. Security forces have been instructed to maintain strict adherence to standard operating procedures and ensure minimal disruption to daily life.
Public cooperation has been described as a key element in the success of counter-terrorism efforts, with authorities urging citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.
Long-Term Vision for Peace
The clean-up operation in Jammu’s forests is being viewed as part of a broader, long-term strategy to secure the region and eliminate terrorism at its roots. By targeting armed militants, financial backers, and ideological networks simultaneously, the government aims to ensure that terrorism does not regain a foothold.
Officials believe that sustained pressure, combined with development initiatives and improved governance, will help consolidate peace in the Jammu region.
Conclusion
With summer approaching, Indian security forces are racing against time to neutralise terrorists hiding in Jammu’s forests and high-altitude zones. Backed by strong political will, coordinated intelligence, and the operational strength of forces like the crpf, the upcoming clean-up operation represents one of the most determined efforts yet to eliminate militancy from the region.
As the strategy unfolds on the ground, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in shaping the security landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, sending a clear message that terrorism will find no sanctuary in India’s territory.
