Pakistan's Proxy War Intensifies in Jammu and Kashmir: A Renewed Challenge for India

Following a period of relative calm after the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan has once again escalated its efforts to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) through terrorism and sleeper cells. Since the swearing-in of Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister of the newly formed Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a series of terror incidents have unfolded, signaling Pakistan’s return to its proxy war tactics. Terrorists have targeted multiple locations across the Kashmir Valley, including a recent grenade blast in Srinagar, which injured 11 people.

Between October 16 and November 7, terrorists targeted eight locations in the region, leading to the deaths of civilians, security personnel, and terrorists. The security forces in J&K have been proactive, eliminating eight terrorists in encounters between November 1-9, particularly in North Kashmir. However, the overall situation remains volatile, with 60 terror-related incidents recorded in 2024, resulting in a significant rise in civilian casualties, especially among non-locals.

Pakistan’s proxy war strategy is increasingly relying on foreign terrorists and sleeper cells, exploiting the region’s dense forests and mountainous terrain for their operations. While the recent J&K assembly elections witnessed significant voter turnout despite the threat of terrorism, Pakistan has escalated its use of cyber campaigns and propaganda through encrypted apps and social media platforms like X, Telegram, and Facebook to incite violence and radicalize the local population.

To counter this growing threat, India must enhance its counterterrorism strategies by improving coordination between agencies, reinforcing HUMINT (Human Intelligence), and establishing fusion centers in key regions of J&K. These centers, staffed by locals from different agencies under the supervision of a Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), should focus on utilizing technological advancements, big data, and Artificial Intelligence to outpace the evolving threat. This will be crucial in dismantling terror networks and ensuring long-term peace in the region.

The renewed wave of terrorism in J&K, fueled by Pakistan’s manipulation and state-backed support to terror groups, requires a multifaceted approach from India. Strengthened counterterrorism efforts and improved inter-agency collaboration are essential to safeguard the democratic gains and security in the region.

Pakistan’s Proxy War Intensifies in Jammu and Kashmir: A Renewed Challenge for India

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