Indian intelligence agencies have gathered strong inputs indicating the presence of more than 30 Pakistani terrorists operating in the Jammu region. Based on these inputs, the Indian Army has further strengthened its surveillance and counter-terror measures. These steps were already underway because of Chillai Kalan, the severe 40-day winter period in Jammu and Kashmir, when temperatures drop sharply and movement becomes difficult across many areas.

According to reports, the terrorists have shifted their bases to higher and middle mountain ranges in Kishtwar and Doda districts, regions that have very little civilian population. This movement reflects a calculated change in strategy. By relocating to these remote areas, the terrorists aim to avoid regular surveillance and use the harsh winter conditions to their advantage. Traditionally, winter is seen as a period of reduced security activity. However, despite freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, Indian security forces have extended their operations into snow-covered and high-altitude zones to block any possible plans of infiltration or attacks.

The Chillai Kalan period, which lasts from 21st December to 31st January, is usually marked by low terrorist activity. During this time, intense snowfall blocks roads and mountain routes, limiting movement. Terror groups have often relied on this slowdown in operations to stay hidden. This year, however, the situation is different. Security forces have refused to ease pressure and have continued operations despite extreme cold, ensuring that terrorist elements do not exploit the seasonal conditions.

The Army is carrying out regular patrols in known and suspected terrorist hideouts, including dense forests and isolated valleys. The goal is to deny terrorists any safe shelter during the winter months. Along with this, the security forces are actively working to disrupt the supply chains of terrorist organisations, cutting off access to food, shelter, and other logistical support. These efforts are aimed at confining terrorists to harsh and uninhabitable terrain, preventing them from moving toward populated areas where civilians could be at risk.

Multiple security agencies are working together on the ground. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Special Operations Group, Forest Guards, and Village Defence Guards are jointly conducting counter-terror operations. Intelligence inputs are being continuously shared and analysed to track terrorist movements and plan operations with precision. To strengthen winter surveillance, specially trained winter warfare units have been deployed. These units are equipped with drones, thermal imagers, and ground sensors, allowing forces to detect movement even in deep snow and poor visibility.

Security forces have also observed that local support for terror groups has declined significantly. Increased surveillance in lower and populated areas has pushed terrorists into isolation. Reports indicate that terror groups are no longer receiving adequate help from local villagers in terms of food or shelter. As a result, they are finding it increasingly difficult to survive the harsh winter conditions.

The focus of the ongoing counter-terror operations remains on eliminating the remaining terror pockets and preventing any attempt at regrouping. This explains why, unlike earlier years when operations slowed during extremely low temperatures, security forces have intensified their efforts this winter. By maintaining pressure throughout Chillai Kalan, the forces aim to neutralize threats and ensure that terrorists are denied any opportunity to exploit the challenging terrain or weather conditions.