In a bold move to counter escalating terrorist activities in Jammu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to deploy the full strength of the counter-terror apparatus against the perpetrators of recent attacks. The call to action follows a series of alarming incidents, including the latest militant activity in the Reasi district and other attacks across the region.
Spiking Terrorist Activities in Jammu
Jammu, once a militancy hotspot in the 1990s, had experienced relative peace until a resurgence of violence began in 2021. The surge in terrorist-induced violence has continued into 2024, causing significant concern among residents and authorities.
The India Foundation Jammu and Kashmir Security Tracker 2021 report highlighted a notable increase in terrorist attacks in the Jammu division, which comprises ten districts: Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, and Samba. The report noted that incidents surged in the latter half of 2021, with 28 attacks reported in the third quarter (July-September) and 34 attacks in the fourth quarter (October-December), compared to 24 in the second quarter (April-June) and 16 in the first quarter of the year.
Notable Incidents and Growing Concerns
One of the most significant incidents in recent years was the drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station in June 2021, which caught authorities off-guard and indicated a new dimension to terrorist tactics in the region. More recently, in June 2024, militants targeted a bus en route to Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, resulting in the deaths of seven pilgrims and injuring many others.
Throughout 2021 and 2022, various districts in Jammu reported increased terrorist activity. Poonch district saw numerous arrests, encounters, and thwarted infiltration bids, while Rajouri district experienced civilian attacks, encounters, and mysterious blasts, heightening security concerns. Samba district reported suspicious drone activities, and Jammu district witnessed multiple arrests and drone sightings.
Heightened Terrorist Activities in 2023
In 2023, a significant shift occurred as terrorists targeted Rajouri district with an ambush in Bhatta Durian, leading to fatalities and marking the highest number of terror-related deaths since 2011. Poonch and Rajouri emerged as the top districts for casualties, with 28 and 24 deaths respectively, signaling a troubling trend in the region.
The rugged terrain of the Pir Panjal region has provided militants with ideal hideouts and facilitated surprise attacks and infiltration. The use of drones by Pakistan to supply weapons, ammunition, and drugs to terrorist outfits in India remains a significant concern, as highlighted by the India Foundation Jammu and Kashmir Security Tracker 2022 report.
Government’s Response
In response to the rising threat, Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the need for a robust counter-terror strategy. “You cannot wait us out. You cannot divide us,” Biden stated, echoing the sentiment of the G7’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi’s directive aims to strengthen Ukraine’s credible defence and deterrence capabilities for the long term, paralleling India’s efforts to bolster its own security apparatus.
The PM’s call for action underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating violence in Jammu and ensuring the safety and security of its residents. As the region grapples with these challenges, the government’s commitment to deploying all available resources against terrorism offers a glimmer of hope for peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.