Last update:November 13, 2024, 09:53 IST

A senior BSF official told News18 that the increase in the number of drones, rifles, AK-series weapons, pistols and bombs shows that terror outfits in Pakistan now have sufficient supplies, unlike in previous years.

The forces have prepared a multi-layered force-wise plan to deal with the situation during the toughest season of the year. (PTI)

Security forces have braced for a tough winter in Jammu and Kashmir with a multi-fold jump in ammunition recovery along with the latest weapons like M4 rifles, increased drone movements and a new network of OGW (Over Ground Workers). Apart from these concerns, grenade attacks and hit-and-run attacks have also increased in the past few weeks, suggesting a new strategy by terrorist groups.

Sources in the security network said that the forces have prepared a multi-layered force-wise plan to deal with the situation during the toughest season of the year. Specialized teams of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in various districts of Jammu as well as Kashmir and more will be deployed soon.

Additionally, the Border Security Force (BSF) has planned to tackle the drone menace. The total number of arms recovered by the BSF has already surpassed last year’s figure (272) till the end of September (307). According to BSF data, till September, the force recovered the highest number of rifles and weapons from the border areas, with nearly 50 per cent increase in the recovery of rifles.

However, the recovery of AK series ammunition has seen a jump of over 500% from border areas, primarily along the India-Pakistan border. In 2023, the BSF recovered 2,579 rounds of AK series, compared to just 435 in 2022. Officials say this points to the planning of terrorist outfits in Pakistan.

“These are the total figures for the BSF, but most of the ammunition was recovered from the India-Pakistan border. There has been an increase in the recovery of drones, rifles, AK series weapons, pistols and bombs. Terror outfits in Pakistan now have sufficient supplies unlike previous years,” a senior BSF official told News18.

Similarly, nearly 200 drone movements have been intercepted by border guards, which is significantly higher than last year’s total of 107.

Another major challenge for security forces in J&K is grenade attacks. In the last three weeks, the Union Territory has witnessed multiple such attacks, resulting in the deaths of both civilians and security forces. To facilitate their escape, the security forces also found that the terrorists were using a circuit to delay the blast. In a recent case, military intelligence intercepted one such OGW who was arrested with 10 grenades.

The terrorists are also familiar with the terrain as they are guided by a new network of ground workers. Forces arrested OGWs who were trying to assist terrorists in J&K. The intelligence grid was asked to provide details of terrorist hideouts and their OGW network, which helps them hide in J&K.

The winter season would be a challenge as around 60 foreign terrorists have already crossed the borders along with some local terrorists, an official said. This figure may increase in the future depending on weather conditions.

Location:

Jammu and Kashmir, India