Indian Army Launches 'Operation Sarvashakti' Against Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir

Defense News , India :- In a big move to stop Pakistan's attempts to increase terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is starting Operation Sarvashakti. This operation will focus on targeting terrorists in the Union Territory, specifically on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain ranges.

Lately, terrorist groups from Pakistan have been trying to bring back terrorism in the southern part of the Pir Panjal ranges, especially in the Rajouri Poonch sector. About 20 soldiers have lost their lives in terrorist attacks in this area, with the latest attack occurring on December 21, where four soldiers were killed in the Dera ki Gali area.

Under Operation Sarvashakti, the Indian Army plans to conduct joint counter-terrorism operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges. The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps and the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps will simultaneously carry out these operations. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies will work closely together to prevent Pakistan from reviving terrorist activities in the Union Territory, especially in the Rajouri Poonch sector.

The operations are expected to follow the model of Operation Sarpvinash, launched in 2003 to eliminate terrorists from the same areas in the south of the Pir Panjal range.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande mentioned that terrorist activities had nearly disappeared in the area since 2003. However, the threat has resurfaced, and the Indian Army, along with the Northern Command, is taking measures to tackle it. These operations are closely monitored by the Army Headquarters and the Northern Army Command in Udhampur.

Home Minister Amit Shah held a security meeting with key stakeholders, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army officials, intelligence agencies, and police officials from both state and central agencies, leading to the planning of these operations.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has coordinated with top security forces in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions for a united effort against terrorists. The Indian Army is also in the process of deploying more troops in the Rajouri-Poonch sector and strengthening intelligence capabilities in the region.

Despite provocations by terrorists, the troops have shown restraint, refraining from firing back in areas with civilian presence. The swift action taken by the Indian Army in addressing civilian casualties following the December 21 encounter has contributed to maintaining local support in the fight against terrorism.