Jungle warfare expert says camp was set up by professionals.

An Army personnel stands guard in a forest area near the site of the encounter in Desa village in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. (Source: PTI)

New Delhi: Gas cylinders, wheat flour, dry fruits, pressure cookers, blankets, power banks, shoes, screwdrivers, washing powder, small solar panels, gloves… No, this is not a list of supplies for a long camping trip. This is what the security forces found in an underground hideout deep in the Sagrawat forest in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The cache belonged to terrorists hiding in Jammu.

The discovery was made on August 20 during a cordon and search operation by a joint team of police, Army and CRPF. Security forces also found six empty AK rifle magazines, a pistol magazine with 13 bullets, an INSAS rifle magazine with 19 rounds and a communication device. A similar cave-like hideout was also found in Balotha area of ​​Basantgarh in Udhampur district.

Significance of the discovery

The type of supplies and the level of preparation are unlike anything one has ever seen in Kashmir. According to jungle warfare specialist Brigadier Neelesh Bhanot, this was a camp set up by professionals. The cooking stoves prevent smoke. Four gas cylinders are enough for over a month. These people are not here to fight and run. They plan to kill and be killed.

The rations could not have been brought from across the border. This means that the terrorists are being supported by locals. These supplies could give us a clue to the identity of the above-ground workers who are helping the terrorists.

Jammu: The new terror target

The number of terrorist attacks in Kashmir has decreased over the years, so the number of security forces has been reduced. When things got heated in eastern Ladakh, forces were moved there. Locked out of the Kashmir valley and frustrated with the security net, terrorists made Jammu region their new target.

According to experts, this region is vulnerable due to its proximity to the Line of Control. It is easier to infiltrate here than Kashmir, where the terrain is more challenging and security forces are stronger. Jammu has witnessed 33 militant attacks since 2021. In 2024 alone, the region saw eight attacks in which 11 soldiers were killed and 18 injured.

Dealing with terror in Jammu

The Indian Armed Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces have launched Operation All Out in 10 districts of Jammu region. At least 500 Para Special Forces commandos and 3,000 additional troops are being deployed. Two BSF battalions totalling more than 2,000 personnel have been withdrawn from Odisha. Village defence committees have been revitalised. Intelligence agencies have also stepped up operations. The focus is on dismantling the terrorist support infrastructure, including the above-ground workers who help the militants.

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