300 Terrorists Across Loc & International Border; 14 Launch Pads Identified

Terrorist activity is anticipated to increase in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming weeks, according to government sources. This expectation stems from Pakistan's reactivation of terror camps along the Line of Control (LOC) and the resurgence of the Al Badr militant group.

Infiltration and Launch Pads

Sources indicate that 225-250 terrorists are currently positioned across the LOC, with an additional 30-40 across the international border. These groups are concentrated in 14 identified launch pads. Three of these are in Bhimber Galli, two each in Macchal, Krishna Ghati, and Naushera, and one each in Tangdhar, Naugam, Uri, Poonch, and Pallanwala.

The majority of these terrorists—approximately 150-165 individuals—are situated north of the Pir Panjal hills. Another 75-85 are located south of the hills, while the remaining are near the international border. The infiltration routes they are likely to use have also been identified.

Militant Group Activities

While established groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed remain active, Pakistan appears to be strengthening the Al Badr outfit. Two new Al Badr camps have been established in Athmuqam and Shardi, close to the LOC.

Terrorist recruitment within Jammu and Kashmir continues, though the numbers have dropped compared to last year. So far this year, about 60 people have been recruited, with nearly half joining Lashkar-e-Taiba. The rest have been distributed among Hizbul Mujahideen, Al Badr, and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Most of the recruitment took place in Pulwama (16 recruits) and Shopian (15 recruits) between March and May. This decline in recruitment is seen as a positive development by security forces, as 81 people had been recruited by the same time last year.