Introduction
The verdant valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, long hailed for their natural beauty, have unfortunately become the stage for a relentless saga of violence and turmoil. In recent times, the region has witnessed a disturbing surge in terrorist activities, casting a dark shadow over efforts to restore normalcy and peace.
At the heart of this turmoil lies the insidious machinations of Pakistan-sponsored proxies, particularly The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organization for the notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Terrorism in Kashmir
The recent surge in terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-sponsored elements in the region, undermining claims of restored normalcy by the government. In a tragic encounter in Rajouri district, five Army personnel, including two officers, lost their lives, highlighting the escalating violence. Over the past two years, there has been a noticeable increase in terror strikes across J&K, exerting immense pressure on security forces.
The Rajouri-Poonch-Reasi belt, located south of the Pir Panjal mountain range, has become a hotbed of terrorist activity, resulting in significant casualties. The area witnessed 46 deaths, including civilians, since January alone, indicating the expanding reach of the terrorist threat beyond the Kashmir valley. The proximity of the Rajouri-Poonch axis to South Kashmir, a major hub for militancy, and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, exacerbates the security challenge.
Despite the presence of a robust counter-terrorist security grid in Kashmir, terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, which include foreign operatives, have shifted their focus to the Jammu region. This strategic move exploits the vast and sparsely populated forested terrain with limited road connectivity, providing a conducive environment for terrorist activities. Moreover, recurring instances of LoC ceasefire violations underscore Pakistan's concerted efforts to expand its nefarious influence into the communally sensitive Jammu region, establishing it as a new battleground for their proxies.
The Emergence of TRF
The Resistance Front (TRF) is identified by the government as a front organization for the notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Established in 2019, TRF operates as a proxy outfit for LeT, involved in planning killings, weapons smuggling, recruitment, and narcotics trafficking, according to government reports. TRF's emergence coincided with the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, leveraging Pakistan's support to evade scrutiny by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The outfit's activities, including threats against the minority Sikh and Kashmiri Pandit community, shows its disregard for human rights and communal harmony.
TRF's formation aimed to camouflage Pakistan's support for LeT under the guise of a local resistance movement. By claiming responsibility for attacks, TRF seeks to deflect attention from LeT while leveraging its funding channels. Despite security forces' efforts, TRF remains active, with the Jammu and Kashmir Police reporting the elimination of 172 terrorists, including 42 foreign nationals, in 2022.
Modus Operandi and Targeted Violence
TRF's modus operandi is characterized by ruthlessness and impunity, with a blatant disregard for human life and security. Targeting minority communities like Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs, TRF seeks to sow seeds of fear and communal discord, exacerbating tensions in an already volatile region. The recent killing of Sanjay Sharma, a Kashmiri Pandit, exemplifies TRF's brazen agenda of spreading terror and instability.
Operation Sarvashakti
Operation Sarvashakti, initiated by the Indian Army, aims to counter the resurgence of terrorism sponsored by Pakistani proxy groups along the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani-backed terrorist organizations have been actively attempting to revive terrorism in the Rajouri-Poonch sector, resulting in the loss of approximately 20 soldiers in recent attacks.
The operation involves combined counter-terrorist operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges, with close collaboration between the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps and the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies are working closely to thwart Pakistani attempts to revive terrorism in the region.
This initiative is crucial amidst strained relations between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), implicated in attacks against Indian security forces and civilians. Operation Sarvashakti draws parallels with Operation Sarpvinash launched in 2003 to eliminate terrorists in the same areas south of the Pir Panjal range. Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi have emphasized the need for a unified response against terrorists, conducting coordination meetings with top security forces brass in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
India's Commitment to Peace and Development
Amidst the specter of terrorism, India remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of the state into two Union territories reflect India's determination to address longstanding issues of governance and development in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Jammu and Kashmir emphasizes a multi-pronged approach, encompassing security measures, infrastructure development, and grassroots democracy.
Conclusion
The resurgence of terrorism orchestrated by Pakistan through proxy outfits like TRF not only threatens peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir but also has broader international implications. The international community must unequivocally condemn Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism and take decisive action to hold it accountable. As India continues its efforts to combat Pakistan's proxy warfare and promote stability in Jammu and Kashmir, concerted global support is essential to counter this menace and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
Pakistan's continued support for groups like LeT and its proxies like TRF not only destabilizes the region but also poses a grave threat to global security. The lack of decisive action against such terrorist organizations by Pakistan has led to increased international pressure, including being greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for financing terrorism.
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