Security forces have launched a large-scale winter offensive across the forest belts of the Jammu region following a series of encounters and brief gunfights reported over the past six months. Officials say the difficult terrain and dense forests have long provided cover to militants, but winter now offers a strategic advantage due to reduced civilian presence in higher reaches.

According to security sources, the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police are conducting joint search and cordon operations in remote mountainous areas. The operations are focused on upper reaches where militants are believed to be using natural caves, thick forests, and rugged terrain as temporary hideouts.

Intelligence inputs suggest that militants affiliated with the People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of Jaish-e-Mohammad, and the Lashkar-e-Toiba are active in the region. These groups are suspected to be hiding in forested stretches of Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua districts, which have witnessed increased militant movement.

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Officials said most of the militants are believed to be Pakistani nationals who infiltrated across the border and are receiving logistical support from local sympathisers. To evade detection, the terrorists frequently shift their hideouts, making tracking operations complex and time-consuming for security forces.

Security agencies remain confident that sustained pressure and coordinated action will weaken militant networks operating in the Jammu region. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining heightened vigilance throughout the winter months, aiming to neutralise threats and prevent militants from regrouping or carrying out attacks in the region.

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