Major security shake-up: India moves 2,000 BSF personnel to terror-hit Jammu and Kashmir

In a critical move to address the escalating terror threat in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has decided to deploy two battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF) from Odisha to the conflict-ridden union territory. This deployment, involving over 2,000 BSF personnel, underscores the severity of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where recent increases in terror attacks have raised alarms at the highest levels of security.

The decision to relocate these two battalions comes as a direct response to the intensified threat from terrorism in the region. The BSF units are being transferred from their current anti-Naxal operations in Odisha to reinforce security in Jammu. This shift follows two high-level meetings in Delhi and Jammu, where top security officials concluded that an enhanced BSF presence in Jammu was imperative. According to a senior officer, while there was an initial proposal to move these units to Chhattisgarh to bolster anti-Naxal operations, the immediate need in Jammu has prompted this redeployment.

The BSF currently patrols a vast 2,289-kilometre stretch of the international border across Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Of this, Jammu alone accounts for 485 kilometres. This border area is characterised by dense forests and treacherous terrain, complicating counter-terrorism efforts and necessitating a robust security presence.

India deploys 2,000 BSF personnel to Jammu and Kashmir amid rising terror threats.

This latest deployment complements the recent positioning of 500 Indian Army Special Forces para-commandos in Jammu. This strategic move is part of a broader tactical adjustment aimed at countering terrorist activities in the region. According to a senior security official, the objective is twofold: to enhance intelligence gathering and to reduce local support for terrorist groups. The Jammu and Kashmir Police report that approximately 70 to 80 foreign terrorists are active in the region, with a recent influx of 25 to 30 new infiltrators.

Historically, the Kashmir Valley has been the focal point of terrorist activities, but there has been a noticeable shift towards Jammu, which is increasingly becoming a hotspot for terrorist operations. This shift has prompted a reassessment of security strategies and the intensification of military and paramilitary efforts in the region.

The situation remains volatile. On Saturday, an Indian Army soldier was killed and another was injured during a counter-terror operation in Kupwara, where a Pakistani terrorist was neutralised. The operation, which took place in the Machhal sector along the Line of Control (LoC), continues as terrorists exploited adverse weather conditions and poor visibility to infiltrate Indian territory.

This surge in military activity highlights the ongoing and evolving security challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir. As the Indian government and security forces adapt their strategies to counter the growing threat, the deployment of additional BSF battalions and the continued presence of elite army units reflect the gravity of the situation and the commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.

Understanding the Impact of Enhanced Security Deployments in Jammu and Kashmir

The latest deployment of two BSF battalions to Jammu and Kashmir reflects a significant escalation in the Indian government’s efforts to combat terrorism. This move is not only a tactical response to the increasing threat but also a strategic adjustment to improve intelligence and operational effectiveness. The complex terrain and dense forests of Jammu require a robust security apparatus to effectively manage and counter terrorist activities. As security forces adapt to these challenges, the integration of additional BSF personnel is expected to bolster the region’s defense capabilities and contribute to a more comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy.