India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&K

In light of the increased terror attacks in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has deployed 500 Special Forces para-commands in the region. The deployment is part of the army's tactical and strategic readjustment to counter terrorists.

These para-commandos will be hunting down the terrorists who have snuck in from the neighbouring nation of Pakistan. While the Special Forces have already been deployed, about 3,000 infantry troops are also expected to be stationed in the region in the coming days.

“The plan is to alter and tweak the counter-terror security grid in the region. Thickening of troop presence has a two-fold purpose - to increase and improve intelligence gathering and to deny local support to the terrorists,” a senior security official was quoted as saying by The Week.

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The heavy deployment is indicative of the increased strength of the enemies. Sincethe abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 in the valley, Pakistan hasfound it difficult to ship its homegrown terrorists to India. However, after years of keeping a low profile, the terrorists have started mushrooming in large numbers, not to mention that with the help of over-ground workers (OGWs), they have managed to inflict considerable damage to the Indian forces in the region.

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Over 70 to 80 foreign terrorists

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, there are around 70 to 80 active foreign terrorists in the Union Territory and a fresh batch of 25-20 terrorists have recently infiltrated the region.

Up until a few years ago, terrorists targeted Kashmir Valley and made it the epicentre of their terror operations. However, they had seemingly changed their strategy now by making Jammu a hub of their activities.

Around 51 Indian security personnel have lost their lives in the Union territory since June 2021. Theterrorists have launched consistentattacks against Indiansecurity forces in Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, and Udhampur districts.

On Friday, the Indian Army stated thattwo terrorists killed recently in the Keran sector of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, along the Line of Control (LoC), were foreigners.

The terrorists were neutralised on Thursday (Jul 18) around noon when the troops observed them through thickfoliage on the Indian side of LoC.

(With inputs from agencies)