According to recent intelligence inputs, a total of 119 terrorists are currently active in Jammu and Kashmir, with the majority being foreign nationals, predominantly from Pakistan. The report highlights a significant decline in the number of local recruits in terrorist groups operating in the region.
Of the 119 active terrorists, 79 are reported to be operating north of the Pir Panjal range, with 61 foreigners and 18 locals. In the southern region of the Pir Panjal, 40 terrorists are active, with 34 foreigners and only six locals. The majority of these foreign terrorists are believed to be from Pakistan.
The reduction in local terrorist recruitment has been a noticeable trend over the past few years, and is seen as a positive sign by security agencies. The decline has prompted Pakistan-based terror outfits to intensify efforts to infiltrate foreign militants into Jammu and Kashmir. These foreign militants are reportedly being pushed across the border via various infiltration routes, including the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC).
Despite this, local recruitment has fallen to its lowest level in years. Intelligence officials attribute this to several factors, including effective counter-insurgency operations and growing public disillusionment with terrorism in the region.
Security Forces Continue Counter-Terrorism Efforts
This year alone, approximately 25 terror-related incidents have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the martyrdom of 24 Army personnel, including an officer. In comparison, in 2023, 27 soldiers lost their lives in 25 terror-related incidents.
However, the efforts of the security forces have led to significant successes in combating terrorism. In 2024, a total of 61 terrorists have been neutralized, including 45 within the hinterland and 16 along the LoC. Among those killed, 21 were identified as Pakistani nationals. In 2023, security forces had eliminated 60 terrorists, with 35 of those killed in the hinterland and 12 being Pakistanis.
The reduction in the frequency of terror activities along the LoC and the drop in local recruitments have been described as positive developments by intelligence sources. These developments are seen as key indicators of the security forces’ growing control over the region, and of the increasing isolation of terrorist outfits.
Terror Attacks in Jammu Region
While the situation in the Kashmir Valley remains the focal point of security operations, the Jammu region has also witnessed several terrorist attacks in 2024. These attacks have targeted security forces in almost every district of the Jammu division. However, multiple counter-terror operations have resulted in the elimination of several terrorists in the region.
The security forces have expressed confidence that with continued vigilance and effective counter-terrorism measures, the overall threat level will continue to decrease in the coming months.
