Operation Sarvashakti Launched to Eliminate Terrorists in J&K

The Indian Army has recently launched a major counter-insurgency operation called 'Operation Sarvashakti' in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu and Kashmir. The goal is to flush out terrorists hiding in the dense forests and remote villages in the mountain ranges who have been responsible for the recent spike in attacks on security forces.

What Triggered Operation Sarvashakti?

Over the last couple of years, 27 Indian security personnel have been killed in various ambush attacks and raids by terrorists in the Rajouri-Poonch belt and other parts of Kashmir. Most recently, 7 soldiers were killed in an IED blast triggered by terrorists in November 2023. Authorities believe the terrorists responsible for these attacks are taking shelter in the jungles across the Pir Panjal mountains. As per intelligence inputs, most of the 50-60 active terrorists left in Kashmir are now foreigners who have infiltrated the region in the last few years. This operation aims to hunt down these terrorists.

All About Pir Panjal Range

The Pir Panjal range is a mountain range in the lesser Himalayas, running from HP in the southeast to the LoC in J&K in the northwest between the rivers Beas and Jhelum. It attains a maximum elevation of 15,952 ft at the Banihal Pass. The range forms a natural dividing line between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu regions. Its dense forests and high passes have often been used by terrorists and insurgents to infiltrate into India and launch attacks. Hence, tightening security in the region has become crucial.

Key Details of Operation Sarvashakti

1. Multi-agency effort involving troops from 15 Corps, 16 Corps, Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, J&K police.

2. Intelligence-based actions to hunt down foreign terrorists taking shelter in remote villages and jungles.

3. Additional reserve troops moved into Rajouri-Poonch to cut off escape routes across the mountains.

4. Modelled after 2003’s Operation Sarpvinash which eliminated nearly 100 terrorists.

5. Aim is to bring long-term peace in the region disrupted by recent ambushes.

Previous Operation Sarpvinash

Operation Sarpvinash was a similar counter-insurgency mission launched by the Indian Army and Rashtriya Rifles in J&K in 2003. It targeted terrorist hideouts across mountain ridges extending from Pir Panjal range to Poonch. Over 3 months, security forces neutralized nearly 100 terrorists. It significantly weakened terror networks in J&K and brought peace to the region until fresh infiltrations began in 2017-18, necessitating the Sarvashakti op.

Current Security Situation in J&K

Even though J&K has seen improved security conditions after Article 370 was repealed in 2019, terrorism remains a threat with Pak-based groups still actively infiltrating militants. Terror incidents declined from 417 in 2018 to 229 in 2021 but 2022 saw a spike again. Last year, some infiltration bids were foiled but ambush attacks saw a sharp rise recently, also targeted killings of minorities. Ops like Sarvashakti based on actionable intelligence are key to stabilizing Kashmir.

Challenges for Security Forces

J&K’s hostile terrain with thick forests, snow-clad mountains and over 5,000 sq km still uncharted poses a major counter-insurgency challenge. Terrorists use guerilla hit-and-run tactics, striking security camps and convoys. Real-time intelligence is still weak. Local support from villagers also enables terrorists to hide easily. But operation like Sarvashakti which involve coordinated efforts of Army, para-military forces and J&K police are required to weed out militants.

Future Outlook

In the coming weeks, more search-and-destroy ops are expected under Operation Sarvashakti to seek and eliminate foreign terrorists, especially those belonging to groups like Jaish and LeT responsible for recent strikes in Rajouri. The Army anticipates some gunfights too. In tandem, security grid along LoC will be tightened to restrict infiltration bids ahead of summer. Counter-radicalization efforts in vulnerable villages will also help curb local militant recruitment. Sustained counter-terror partnerships and on-ground dominance by forces will shape J&K’s security situation going ahead.