Indian Army’s anti-infiltration successes refute Farooq Abdullah’s claims

The Indian Army's ability to deal with counter-terrorist infiltration attempts refutesrecent allegations by former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, who in a controversial remark, suggested collusion between Indian security forces and terrorists.

The remarks contradict official data which shows that in 2019, J&K witnessed 219 infiltration attempts by terrorists, a number that drastically fell to 48 in 2023 and fell further in 2024.

A senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "Our data clearly shows a downward trend in infiltration attempts, reflecting the significant strides we've made in tightening security and improving our counter-infiltration strategies."

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Indian Army's capabilities have improved significantly, especially in countering infiltration. In 2017, only one infiltration attempt was successfully intercepted, and by 2023, this number rose to 17.

"The increase in thwarted infiltration attempts is a clear indication that our security apparatus is not only holding the line but actively disrupting terrorist movements before they can pose a serious threat," said an official in New Delhi.

The decline in successful infiltrations is part of a larger strategy by the Indian Army to bolster border security by integrating advanced surveillance technologies and increasing troop deployments at the Line of Control (LOC).

Watch |J&K terror attack: One soldier killed foiling infiltration in Kupwara

Farooq Abdullah's remarks, following a deadly encounter in Kokernag, South Kashmir, where two Indian soldiers were killed, have been widely slammed.

"Farooq Abdullah's statement is to garner a vote bank now that the assembly elections are around the corner. He needs something to kick-start and sustain his campaign; otherwise, he will become irrelevant," Lt Gen P R Shankar (retd) said.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma (retd), former adjutant general of the Indian Army, added, "Politicians must maintain the sanctity and honour of security forces who perform in the direst of circumstances, countering infiltration and ensuring peace in Jammu and Kashmir."

The Indian Army has yet to officially respond to Abdullah's allegations but the security officials stress the importance of basing public discourse on verified data.

"Public statements on security matters should be grounded in facts, not speculation or politically motivated rhetoric," said a senior military official.

The officials explained: "The numbers clearly show that our forces are achieving significant successes on the ground."