A recent analysis based on initial probes and inputs from central investigation and Intelligence agencies regarding terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir hints at the possibility of infiltrators using tunnels, claiming that an area within a radius of 150-200 kilometres around them appears to be the most vulnerable as it has witnessed all attacks since May.
Similar patterns have been observed by officials in the attacks that have also occurred around the J&K border connecting other states such as Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Noting the trend, top officials of central agencies do not deny terrorists taking shelter outside J&K.
Sources have indicated that infiltrated terrorists belong to various groups and manage to flee towards the border with local support. “All the attacks, including the Kathua incident where five Army officials were killed, have occurred on collector roads that connect local roads and further divert vehicles to key roads. Some of these roads are unpaved and located in isolated rural areas,” a senior official familiar with the analysis told News18.
Officials have also noted a pattern where attacks have taken place in areas where accelerating vehicles is not feasible due to road conditions. Additionally, in two cases, terrorists attacked after a sharp curve, creating a trap if the driver accelerates. The roads where incidents occurred connect to arterial routes, which further link to highways.
Furthermore, the spots are not far from populated areas, making it challenging for forces to identify terrorists due to local support on the ground.
In the last two weeks, approximately 100 alerts have been issued by various agencies on a central platform for Intelligence sharing. Meanwhile, CRPF has ensured that no movement occurs without bulletproof vehicles and adequate weapons under the supervision of senior officials.
In the past 45 days, there have been two ambushes, three hit-and-run incidents, and two encounters in the Doda, Kathua, Poonch, and Reasi areas.
On Monday, five Army personnel were killed and six injured after terrorists attacked a military convoy in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. The Army vehicles were on a routine patrol on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road when attacked about 150 km from Kathua. The injured have been shifted to a hospital for treatment. The security forces retaliated after terrorists threw a grenade and then opened fire. However, the attackers fled into the nearby forest, officials said.
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