2024-07-19 14:27:13
New Delhi: What happened in Jammu, which was peaceful for about 20 years, that terrorists have carried out many attacks there in the last three years? They are targeting not only the security forces but also the common citizens by laying ambushes. Despite the intensive operations of the security forces, the terrorists are succeeding in their plans. The month of July has not even passed and nine soldiers of the Indian Army have attained martyrdom. In two and a half months, a total of 13 soldiers of the security forces have been martyred while only three terrorists have been killed.
Use of high level encrypted data
Terrorists are using high level encrypted sets, Ultra sets for communication. This radio communication set is made in China and is also used by Pakistan Army. Major General Yash More (Retired) says that earlier we used to intercept the communication of terrorists and their intentions were revealed, but in the last 1-2 years terrorists have Ultra sets which cannot be intercepted, so our security forces are unable to catch them. According to Major General More, this is a big reason due to which terrorists are able to succeed in their intentions because they cannot be traced.
Terrorists changed their strategy
Major General More says that the way terrorists are attacking shows that they are well trained. They are attacking at places where the security forces think that the chances of attack are the least and they are giving surprises. They are also trapping people with false information or other means and then attacking by laying ambush. Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni (Retired) while describing the terrain of Doda, Poonch, Rajouri area said that the visibility is very low there and if someone ambushes from a height, it is in his favour. Here terrorists are attacking after doing complete recce at their own time. Therefore, there is a need to remain alert all the time. He said that these areas remained peaceful for many years but now terrorists are choosing them, so the security forces will have to follow the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) completely. Risk cannot be taken even in areas considered peaceful and one has to remain alert all the time.
What happened to human intelligence?
The way terrorists are able to escape after committing crimes, questions are being raised on human intelligence. Foreign terrorists are in the area and committing crimes, but why is information about them not being received? Lieutenant General Kulkarni says that I myself have commanded in Doda area. Local sources are very important for any operation. Locals are our eyes and ears. They tell if any suspicious person is seen or any suspicious activity is seen. This information was also received from the locals about when and where someone has come from outside. He says that there is a need to focus on human intelligence. Major General More also raises the question that how did the human intelligence base end when so many goodwill programs are going on. He says that continuous efforts have to be made for human intelligence. He said that why is information not being received in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The number of soldiers decreased
Four years ago, when the tension with China started, soldiers from this area were sent there. The Indian Army’s RR Force – Romeo, Delta, Uniform Force were responsible for different areas here. But about four years ago, when the tension with China on the LAC in Eastern Ladakh increased and the situation reached violent clashes, the uniform force was removed from here and sent to the LAC. Three brigade-size soldiers were reduced from here. Due to their reduced number, the remaining forces also got the responsibility of those areas where the uniform force was deployed. According to experts, the terrorists also took advantage of this and worked to stand up again.
In the recent past, the Indian Army has deployed more soldiers to fill the gap in these areas, but according to sources, they still do not match the old numbers, that is, there is not as much force as there was four years ago. Major General Yash More (Retired) says that the RR formation that was sent to the China front should be brought back. Lieutenant General Kulkarni (Retired) says that when the army freed that area from terrorists 22-23 years ago and handed it over to the civil administration, it was their responsibility to keep that area peaceful, collect intelligence and not let the terrorists flourish again. He says that the army deploys and redeploys according to threat perception. He said that the Home Ministry is increasing CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and internal security is their job, the army’s job is external security.