Srinagar, Apr 08: With the onset of spring and the gradual melting of snow in high-altitude regions, the Indian Army has ramped up surveillance and patrolling in strategically sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The focus remains firmly on snow-covered passes in Bhaderwah valley—bordering Kathua and Udhampur—as well as in the border districts of Kupwara Baramulla and Bandipora districts in north Kashmir to counter any potential infiltration or terrorist activity.
Army officials said the melting snow traditionally signals a heightened threat from cross-border elements attempting to exploit the newly accessible mountain passes.
“This is the time when infiltration attempts peak. We’ve intensified our surveillance grid, increased foot patrols, and activated all early warning systems across vulnerable routes,” a senior Army officer told news agency KINS.
Troops have been deployed at key heights and ridgelines where snow has begun to recede. Night vision equipment, aerial reconnaissance through UAVs, and thermal imaging systems are being used extensively to detect any suspicious movement along the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland entry routes.
In the dense forests of Kupwara and Baramulla, Bandipora which have been used in the past by infiltrators, the Army has launched coordinated operations with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces. Intelligence-based combing operations have also been intensified.
“We are maintaining a high level of alert, especially in forward posts. The aim is to dominate all ingress routes and ensure zero infiltration,” an officer from the Kupwara-based Army Unit said.
Bhaderwah valley, which remains snowbound during winters, has increasingly become an area of interest for security agencies due to its connectivity with both Kathua and Udhampur—two vital regions that serve as rear logistics hubs for the Army.
Officials added that while there has been no major infiltration attempt reported so far this year, all units have been instructed to maintain peak operational readiness.
“Enemy elements try to test our preparedness every year around this time. But this year, our multi-tiered surveillance mechanism and coordination with intelligence agencies have created a near-impenetrable shield,” a defence spokesperson said.
The Army’s current focus also includes community outreach in nearby villages, encouraging locals to report any unusual activity. Surveillance along traditional shepherd routes and nomadic trails is also being stepped up.
As temperatures rise further, the security establishment is expecting more activity along the LoC, but sources insisted that robust counter-infiltration measures have already been put in place to neutralize any emerging threats.(KINS)
