With a recent increase in terrorist activities in the typically tranquil Jammu region, security experts are advocating for a thorough review of current counter-terrorism strategies employed by security forces. Retired Lieutenant General D. S. Hooda, former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command based in Udhampur, stressed the immediate need for a more proactive strategy to address the changing tactics of terrorists. Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh Sangha expressed confidence that the security forces will adapt and enhance their counter-insurgency measures based on recent experiences.
In recent weeks, the Jammu region has experienced a series of violent incidents. A recent attack resulted in the deaths of nine army personnel, including a captain, in the remote forested area of Machedi in Kathua. The attackers remain unidentified. On June 9, a terrorist assault killed nine passengers, including seven pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in the Reasi district. Although several suspects have been apprehended, the main attackers have yet to be identified.
Lieutenant General (Retd) Hooda, speaking to PTI by phone, highlighted a noticeable shift in terrorist tactics, with a rise in ambush and 'shoot and scoot' strategies. He emphasized the need for security forces to reassess their approaches to address and rectify potential weaknesses. Hooda suggested that a prolonged period of relative peace in Jammu might have led to lapses in vigilance and warned against any complacency within the security framework.
Similarly, former Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) Lieutenant General (Retd) Paramjit Singh Sangha voiced confidence in the security forces' ability to learn from recent setbacks and strengthen their counter-insurgency strategies.