Increased Vigilance as Over 100 Pakistani Terrorists Active in Jammu and Kashmir

Heightened Security Measures Following Operation Sindoor

Following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, security forces in India are on high alert regarding the activities of foreign terrorists, primarily from Pakistan, in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources within the security establishment have disclosed that multiple high-level meetings are being held in Jammu, Kashmir, and Delhi to tackle the pressing threat posed by these terrorists. A detailed strategy is being formulated to prevent potential attacks and neutralize this danger effectively.

Current Terrorist Presence in Jammu and Kashmir

Recent estimates indicate that there are between 110 and 125 Pakistani terrorists currently operating in Jammu and Kashmir, with around 65 of them specifically located in the Kashmir Valley. These operatives are reportedly hiding in wooded areas and are receiving logistical support from local terrorists, whose numbers are estimated to be between 10 and 12 in the region. Many of these local operatives have allegedly received training in Pakistan.

Breakdown of Terrorist Activity

Official statistics reveal that there are fewer than 140 active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, which includes both local and foreign elements. In the Kashmir division, approximately 65 foreign terrorists and 12 locals are active, while the Jammu division has about 55-60 terrorists, with only three being locals. The majority of these individuals are skilled in jungle warfare.

Identifying Key Suspects

Among the foreign terrorists, three individuals have been identified as prime suspects in the recent attack in Pahalgam: Hashim Musa, Ali Bhai, and Waleed Bhai. Authorities have announced a reward of 20 lakh rupees for information leading to their capture or elimination. Intelligence reports suggest that these individuals were involved in the Pahalgam attack on tourists, an assault on tunnel construction workers in Sonmarg last year, and various attacks on military personnel throughout Kashmir. Hashim Musa is particularly infamous, having received specialized training in jungle warfare while serving in Pakistan’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) before being sent to Kashmir to enhance the operations of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Local Terrorists Linked to Recent Attacks

Additionally, two local terrorists, Aadil Gori from Anantnag and Zakir Ganaie from Kulgam in South Kashmir, are suspected of having connections to the Pahalgam attack and may have aided Musa and his associates in targeting innocent tourists. The police have also offered rewards for information leading to their capture.

Ongoing Operations and Intelligence Enhancements

With most terrorists hiding in forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir and supported by a network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs), intelligence reports indicate that following the success of Operation Sindoor, these terrorists have been instructed to launch attacks against security forces in the region.

In light of this increased threat, the joint forces of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and paramilitary units are maintaining a vigilant and proactive stance. The intelligence network has been significantly strengthened since the Pahalgam attack, resulting in the arrest of several active terrorists and the successful elimination of six local terrorists, including two commanders from Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, in recent encounters in South Kashmir.