The Indian Army has red-flagged continued security lapses along the International Border (IB) in the southern sector of Jammu, particularly in the stretch between the Ravi River and the Shakargarh Bulge. This region, known for its broken terrain and dense cover, has been frequently exploited by Pakistan-trained terrorists to infiltrate and reignite terrorism in the Jammu sector.
According to sources in the defence and security establishment, recent patterns have revealed a dangerous operational route frequently used by infiltrators.
“Terrorists are slipping across the IB using terrain gaps, reaching National Highway 44 (a mere 5 to 8 km away), and then vanishing into civilian areas. From there, they manoeuvre through the Banni-Machedi belt, eventually making their way into the thick forests and mountains of Doda and Kishtwar,” a source stated. These remote regions serve as ideal hideouts and staging grounds, making detection and elimination operations significantly more difficult.
Kathua Encounter Raises Security Concerns
The Army had previously flagged these security concerns to the relevant authorities, but the issue resurfaced after the recent Kathua encounter on Wednesday, which resulted in the deaths of three Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel. Three terrorists were also eliminated by Army units during the operation. The encounter has heightened concerns over inter-agency coordination and operational planning, with sources emphasizing the need to involve Army units at the inception of such complex missions.
The operation, conducted in challenging terrain, became riskier because the infiltrated terrorists had already entrenched themselves in remote hideouts, complicating counterterrorism efforts.
Shift from LoC to IB for Infiltration
This is not the first time terrorists have exploited the IB sector instead of the heavily guarded Line of Control (LoC). In 2019, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) report revealed that at least 33 Pakistani terrorists had infiltrated India through the Punjab and Samba-Kathua sectors since October 2017.
A July 2023 report indicated that about 40 terrorists, primarily from Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), had successfully infiltrated the Jammu region in the past year. Defence sources admitted they were caught off guard by these infiltrations, suspected to have occurred from the IB in Punjab and Jammu, as well as the LoC under the Nagrota-based 16 Corps. However, both the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Army denied any infiltration from their respective zones.
In response to the continued infiltration, the Centre had in August 2023 shortened the tenure of BSF Director General (DG) Nitin Agrawal and Special DG (West) Y.B. Khurania, reassigning them to their respective state cadres with immediate effect.
Security Gaps and Rising Threats
Sources indicate a critical vulnerability in the IB sector due to BSF deployment practices. “Inadequate border domination and predictable patrolling patterns have allowed both terrorists and smugglers to exploit the gaps with increasing frequency,” a source noted.
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Adding to the issue is the rampant cross-border drug trade. Frequent drug confiscations in Kathua and Samba districts indicate that smuggling networks are operating with ease. While the BSF has intercepted drug consignments being dropped by drones, experts believe these seizures represent only a fraction of the total narcotics entering India.
The discovery of multiple cross-border tunnels in the region has reinforced fears that both terrorism and narco-terrorism are being facilitated through porous border points. Rising drug addiction in the border belt further underscores the social consequences of this crisis.
Way Forward: Strengthening Border Security
To counter these challenges, experts emphasize a multi-pronged strategy.
“Border domination must be enhanced through smarter patrolling, use of modern surveillance systems, and increased unpredictability in movement. Tunnel detection and interdiction measures need urgent ramping up. The BSF must also enhance synergy with the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, especially for counter-infiltration and intelligence operations,” a source said.
With terrorism and narco-terrorism posing persistent threats, authorities are under pressure to reinforce border security and improve inter-agency coordination to prevent further infiltration.
