Indian Army Deploys Temporary Operational Bases in Pir Panjal to Counter Terrorists

The Indian Army has deployed a new strategy to counter terrorists operating in the Pir Panjal mountains. A region vital for their movements between Jammu and Kashmir. Following a four-month joint operation involving the Army's elite para forces.

J&K Police, and paramilitary forces, the operation aims to maintain a persistent military presence in the dense mountain terrain.

According to senior security officials, the Temporary Operational Bases (TOBs) will enable the security forces to remain deployed in the mountains for extended periods, ranging from over 10 days to several months. This arrangement is designed to provide a more permanent footprint in the challenging environment.

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The Pir Panjal mountain range divides the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Making it a vital area for security agencies to maintain a sustained presence. The establishment of TOBs helps to ensure a tight vigil over the region.

This has witnessed a series of setbacks in recent years.

Senior officers emphasize that the paratroopers are specially trained and equipped for high-altitude warfare. Often stationed at mountain tops and utilizing drones to monitor large areas of terrain.

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In 2003, the Indian Army launched Operation Sarp Vinash to flush out militants from the region. The area was declared militant-free in 2012; however, the challenging terrain has posed a significant challenge for security forces in recent years.

According to senior officials, the Temporary Operational Bases have been instrumental in countering the militants' ability to move freely across the region. By maintaining a sustained presence, the security forces have been able to prevent attacks and neutralize wanted terrorists.

The strategy has yielded promising results, with security forces reporting a significant decrease in terrorist attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain range. The sustained pressure has forced the militants to shift their focus to other areas, such as Poonch and Rajouri.