Over 30 Pakistani Terrorists Active in Jammu, Intel Warns; Army Steps Up Winter Ops

Indian intelligence agencies have warned that over 30 Pakistani terrorists are currently active in the Jammu region, even as the Indian Army intensifies counter-terror operations during Chillai Kalan, the harshest phase of winter in Jammu and Kashmir.

Defence and intelligence sources said the terrorists, facing sustained pressure from security forces, have shifted to higher and middle mountain ranges in Kishtwar and Doda, where civilian presence is minimal. The movement is being viewed as an attempt to evade detection and regroup under the cover of extreme weather conditions.

Rejecting the traditional notion of winter slowdown, the Indian Army has expanded its operational footprint across snowbound and high-altitude zones since the onset of Chillai Kalan on December 21. Forward winter bases and temporary surveillance posts have been activated to maintain continuous pressure on terror hideouts despite sub-zero temperatures.

Security officials said Army patrols are conducting sustained sweeps across forests, ridgelines and remote valleys to deny terrorists safe havens and disrupt their supply lines. The objective is to confine terror groups to inhospitable terrain and prevent their movement towards populated areas.

Operations are being carried out in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, Forest Guards and Village Defence Guards. Intelligence inputs are being jointly analysed to plan targeted, time-bound operations.

Security agencies believe shrinking local support and heightened vigilance in lower regions have forced terrorists into isolation. There have been reports of attempts to coerce villagers for food and shelter, though officials say such efforts have met limited success.

Specialised winter warfare units equipped with drones, thermal imagers and ground sensors have been deployed across sensitive sectors to track movement in snow-covered terrain. Surveillance and search operations are being conducted in rolling cycles to ensure cleared areas remain under constant watch.

Officials said the focus this winter is to dismantle remaining terror pockets and prevent regrouping, sending a clear message that adverse weather will no longer provide cover to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.