New Militancy Challenge in Kashmir’s Pir Panjal Mountains

Nestled in the famous Pir Panjal Mountain range of Kashmir, the Poonch district is located along the volatile Line of Control that divides India and Pakistan.

This month an Indian Air force detachment passing through the district was ambushed by a group of four militants believed to be Pakistani nationals. One IAF serviceman was killed and others suffered injuries.

The ambushes have become frequent in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, which are witnessing an unprecedented spike in militant activities.

In 2023, four high-causality ambush attacks were carried out by militants, resulting in the killing of 19 soldiers — including special force commandoes of the Indian army.

The figures emerging form the area are disturbing for Indian authorities, who previously hailed the success of the counter-insurgency operations in the Pir Panjal belt as a shining example of their ability to curb violence and militancy.

For over a decade the region was relatively peaceful, but militancy has begun to invrease again.

The concerns are compounded by infiltration attempts by militant groups which seem to have risen after a long hiatus under the previous government.

India has long accused the Pakistani government of backing militants in Kashmir, a charge denied by Islamabad.

But the insurgency in Kashmir has declined over the last five years, which the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party claims is a result of its policies like the revocation of the semi-autonomous status of the region.

“As militancy has decreased massively in Kashmir, it is likely that the militant commanders in Pakistan want to increase violence in Poonch-Rajouri belt," a senior police officer told Sputnik on the condition of anonymity. "The possible reasoning behind this could be that violence in this belt not only attract headlines but also could inspire whatever remains of the insurgent ranks in Kashmir where no major attacks have taken place in a while.”

The security establishment in the twin districts believe that it was a group of 20 to 25 foreign militants that perpetrated most of the violence in the region — of which almost half have been killed.

“There is very little doubt that they have served or fought in Afghanistan. It’s evident by their guerrilla tactics and usage of weapons like American-made M4 Carbines," a senior government official said. "They cook and live in the caves and move frequently between the ridges. They travel into villages as well. One among them is so brazen that he doesn’t even bother to conceal his unique hairstyle that makes him easily recognizable in a large crowd. But we are onto them.”

Security measures in the region have been bolstered over the last two years. Drone surveillance, capacity building of human intelligence networks and increased deployment are some of the measures undertaken by security officials. But it isn’t enough.

“We will have to think like them,” said another senior government official. “The security measures taken are adequate, but we are increasing our efforts. If they move in the night, we will move in the night. If they stay in the jungles, so will post our people there. This year will be decisive.”

Kashmir News

Infiltration Attempt Along Line of Control in Kashmir, Two Killed

5 April, 21:13