New Delhi, Dec 27 (KNC): Even as harsh winter conditions and the 40-day Chillai Kalan grip Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has intensified counter-terrorism operations in the snowbound districts of Kishtwar and Doda to flush out Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, sources said on Saturday.
Defence sources told news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, that Army units have expanded their operational footprint into higher and remote mountainous areas despite sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall and treacherous terrain. The move marks a clear shift from earlier years when terror activity traditionally witnessed a lull during peak winter.
Sources said that instead of scaling down, the Army has adopted a proactive winter strategy by establishing temporary bases, surveillance posts and patrolling grids deep inside snow-covered regions to deny terrorists any seasonal advantage. Regular patrols are being conducted along high-altitude ridgelines, forest belts and valleys to prevent terrorists from finding hideouts.
Defence sources said that the intensified operations are being carried out in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, SOG, Civil Administration, Forest Guards and Village Defence Guards (VDGs), ensuring seamless intelligence sharing and swift joint action on the ground.
As per intelligence assessments, around 30 to 35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be active in the Jammu region. Sources said these terrorists, facing sustained pressure from security forces and drying local support, have moved towards uninhabited higher and middle mountain reaches to evade detection during winter.
“Security forces are focusing on both elimination and containment. The objective is to ensure terrorists remain confined to inhospitable areas and are prevented from regrouping or accessing populated belts,” sources said.
Modern surveillance tools including drones, thermal imagers, ground sensors and surveillance radars are being extensively used to track movement and monitor potential infiltration routes, particularly during night operations. Specially trained winter warfare units have also been deployed to maintain operational effectiveness in snowbound terrain, sources added.
Defence sources further said that operations are being conducted under a continuous “surveillance–operation–surveillance” cycle to maintain constant pressure and prevent terrorists from exploiting weather conditions.
“The message is clear: harsh winters will no longer provide cover to terrorists. Operations will continue with full intensity across all seasons,” sources said, adding that the Army remains committed to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region. (KNC)
