JAMMU STRENGTHENS COUNTER-TERRORISM WITH NEW TROOP DEPLOYMENTS

Why in the news?

Jammu is reinforcing its counter-terrorism efforts with the induction of 3,000 Army troops and 500 Special Forces, addressing recent security challenges and filling gaps left by redeployed forces.

source:medium

Enhancing Jammu’s Counter-Terrorism Grid

  • Current Situation:
    • Jammu has faced increased security challenges due to terrorist activities, including newly infiltrated groups backed by Pakistan.
    • Security forces have suffered significant losses, partly due to the redeployment of troops to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) post-Galwan incident in June 2020.
    • To address this, around 3,000 additional Army troops and 500 Special Forces have been deployed to bolster counter-terror operations.
  • Counter-Terror Grid and Deployment:
    • A counter-terrorism grid involves strategically deploying units in vulnerable areas to limit terrorist movement.
    • Effective deployment requires understanding terrain, local populations, and maintaining psychological operations.
    • Newly inducted troops face the challenge of integrating into the area, gaining local support, and adapting to the operational environment.
  • Historical Context and Lessons:
    • The Assam Rifles have previously been successful in Jammu and Kashmir, notably during Operation Dudhi in May 1991.
    • The success of past operations highlights the importance of allowing commanding officers to lead and maintain operational control.
    • For effective deployment, new units should integrate with existing forces rather than operate independently, ensuring a cohesive and informed approach.
Framework Related to Terrorism in India:

  • Definition: Terrorism involves unlawful violence and intimidation to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals.
  • India’s Stance: Zero tolerance policy; no universal definition complicates classification.

Domestic Laws:

  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)1967: Criminalizes terrorism; empowers investigation and prosecution.
  • National Investigation Agency(NIA) Act 2008: Establishes a central agency for terror-related offences.

Institutional Framework:

  • National Security Council Secretariat(NSCS): Coordinates national security and counter-terrorism.
  • Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA): Leads domestic operations and intelligence.
  • National Investigation Agency(NIA): Investigates and prosecutes major terror cases.
  • International Agreements: Includes conventions on terrorism and financing (1973, 1979, 1999).

Emerging Forms of Terrorism:

  • Lone Wolf Attacks: Self-radicalised individuals posing detection challenges.
  • Bioterrorism: Risk of weaponized biological agents causing mass disruption.
  • Unmanned/Drone Threats: Drones used for intelligence, strikes, or explosives.
  • Terrorist Safe Havens: Conflict zones used for training and operations.
  • Terror-Crime Nexus: Collaboration with criminal syndicates; use of cryptocurrencies.
  • Emerging Technologies: Exploitation of encrypted communications and dark web.