'Hidden terrorism' trend emerges in J-K, security agencies on high alert
Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with what they call the "hidden threat" of "conservation and consolidation" tactics employed by infiltrating terrorists, which was evident in the recent ambushes and encounters in North Kashmir and Kathua district. Analysing the ambushes and encounters with terrorists, officials in the know of the matter said while security agencies are on high alert, the lack of ground-level intelligence — human intelligence (HUMINT) — hampers operations.
Reliance on technical intelligence (TECHINT) has not been fruitful as terrorists use online activity to mislead authorities. Officials feel that there is an urgent need for heightened surveillance to counter foreign terrorists, especially in the Jammu region.
The region, previously known for its peaceful atmosphere, has recently seen a surge in terror incidents, particularly in border districts such as Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Reasi. Attacks on an IAF convoy, a pilgrim bus and the recent killing of soldiers in Kathua highlight the evolving threat.
Under the «conservation and consolidation» tactics, terrorists infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir but remain quiet initially, blend in with the local population and wait for instructions from handlers in Pakistan before carrying out attacks, the officials said.
Though security agencies are on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir after uncovering the «conservation and consolidation» tactic of the infiltrating terrorists, the absence of on-ground intelligence is playing a spoilsport for
