Army Chief Reviews Counter-Terrorism Operations in Jammu
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
This highlights the ongoing challenges of terrorism in J&K and the military's shift towards integrating advanced technology in counter-insurgency operations. The synergy between different security agencies is vital for border management and internal security, reflecting in GS Paper 3.
Summary
The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, reviewed the security situation and counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir's border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. During his visit to the White Knight Corps and the Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo), he stressed the importance of infusing advanced technology into military operations. The visit coincided with a high-level security meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, where overall security and inter-agency coordination in J&K were assessed to enhance operational capability and sustain peace.
Key Points
- Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi reviewed counter-terrorism operations and the security situation in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in J&K.
- Gen Dwivedi emphasized the need for infusing advanced technology into military operations to enhance operational capabilities.
- A high-level security meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi reviewed the overall security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Focus remains on maintaining inter-agency synergy between the Army, central police forces, and local authorities to ensure a robust internal security framework.
Important Terms
White Knight Corps
Nagrota-based Indian Army formation (XVI Corps) responsible for operational security and counter-insurgency south of the Pir Panjal range in the Jammu region.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Internal Security. Vital for understanding border management and the counter-terrorism architecture in the Jammu sector.
Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo)
A specialized division of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) tasked with conducting counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations in the rugged terrain of Rajouri and Poonch.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Security Forces. Highlights the tactical execution of counter-insurgency and mountain warfare in J&K.
Rashtriya Rifles
The Indian Army's elite counter-insurgency force raised specifically for Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on neutralizing terrorists while conducting 'hearts and minds' civic programs.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Security Forces. Key for questions on specialized internal security roles and civil-military coordination.
Security Grid
A multi-layered institutional framework in Jammu and Kashmir involving the Army, Police, and Intelligence agencies for coordinated surveillance, intelligence sharing, and area domination.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Internal Security. Tests knowledge of inter-agency synergy and institutional responses to hybrid threats.
Defence Modernization
The systematic upgrade of military capabilities through the infusion of advanced technologies like AI, drones, and network-centric systems to improve operational efficiency.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Science & Tech/Defence. Relevant for the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and adapting to 21st-century warfare.
Rajouri-Poonch Sector
A critical security zone in Jammu division along the Line of Control, currently facing a resurgence of infiltration and high-altitude guerrilla warfare.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Internal Security. Important for regional security analysis and map-based questions on the Pir Panjal range.
Prelims Trap
"Recent counter-terror operations focus exclusively on the Kashmir Valley, as militancy is confined north of the Pir Panjal range."
There has been a documented strategic shift of cross-border terrorism to the Jammu division (Rajouri-Poonch), south of the Pir Panjal range.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS)?
- Integration framework: It seamlessly integrates human resources, weapons, and high-tech surveillance equipment to secure volatile borders.
- Advanced technologies: It employs thermal imagers, infrared/laser alarms, aerostats, ground sensors, and sonar systems for riverine boundaries.
- Objective: The system provides continuous 24x7 surveillance to plug security gaps in difficult terrain where physical fencing is impossible.
What are the key geographical features of the Pir Panjal range?
- Location: It is the largest range of the Lesser Himalayas, running from west-northwest to east-southeast in J&K and Himachal Pradesh.
- Natural divide: It acts as a formidable natural divide between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.
- Major passes: Key passes include the Pir Panjal Pass and the Banihal Pass, which connects Jammu to Srinagar.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Geography's role in guerrilla warfare tactics
Insurgents are exploiting the dense forests and steep terrain of the Jammu region, linking GS3 internal security challenges directly with GS1 physical geography and terrain analysis.
Dual-use nature of drone technology
Drones function as both asymmetric threats (cross-border narcotics/arms smuggling) and state force-multipliers (surveillance/CIBMS), a tech-duality frequently tested in GS3.
GS3 Mains 2026 will likely feature a question on the shift of militancy south of Pir Panjal and the role of CIBMS in counter-insurgency.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2023MainsGS3
Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
- 2020MainsGS3
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.
- 2023MainsGS3
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.
