In a strategic move to counter Pakistan's efforts to escalate terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is set to launch Operation Sarvashakti. This operation will focus on targeting terrorists operating on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the Union Territory, according to media reports.
Recent incidents, particularly in the Rajouri Poonch sector, have witnessed attempts by Pakistani proxy terrorist groups to revive terrorism in the South of Pir Panjal ranges. Around 20 troops have lost their lives in terrorist attacks, with the most recent incident occurring on December 21, where four soldiers were killed in action in the Dera ki Gali area.
Sources within the security forces reveal that Operation Sarvashakti aims to conduct combined counter-terrorism operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges. The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps and the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps will coordinate simultaneous operations. Collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies is crucial to thwart Pakistani attempts to revive terrorism, particularly in the Rajouri Poonch sector.
Drawing parallels to Operation Sarpvinash launched in 2003, the current operations target the elimination of terrorists from the same areas in the South of Pir Panjal range. Despite a significant decline in terrorist activities since 2003, Army Chief General Manoj Pande acknowledges a recent resurgence, prompting coordinated efforts to address the threat.
The operations are closely monitored by the Army Headquarters and the Northern Army Command in Udhampur. Planning commenced following a security meeting led by Home Minister Amit Shah, which included stakeholders like National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army officials, and intelligence agencies.
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has held coordination meetings with top security forces in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions for a united front against terrorists. The Indian Army has initiated troop induction in the Rajouri-Poonch sector and reinforced the intelligence setup in the region.
Confidence in local support to counter terrorism remains high, even in the face of provocations. Despite terrorists attempting to provoke an attack on an Army vehicle in the Krisna Ghati area, troops exercised restraint due to the presence of civilians. Swift actions taken by the Indian Army against its own officers and personnel in response to civilian casualties post-December 21 have further contributed to the ongoing efforts.
