Context:

• The Indian Army has initiated Operation Sarvashakti to counter the resurgence of terrorist activities in the Rajouri and Poonch sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. This operation aims to target terrorists operating on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain range, a region that has become increasingly significant in the context of cross-border terrorism and insurgency.

Key Points:

Strategic importance of the Pir Panjal Range

• The Pir Panjal range serves as a critical geographical and strategic terrain for militants. Its dense forests provide ideal hideouts that facilitate hit-and-run operations, making it a challenging area for security forces to monitor and control. The range acts as a natural barrier between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, controlling key entry points to the Valley.

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, militants have increasingly focused on the Pir Panjal region, retreating into its forests amid reduced local support.

• Natural border: The Pir Panjal range delineates the cultural and geographical boundaries between Kashmir and Jammu, influencing the socio-political dynamics of the region.
   
• Peaks: Notable peaks in the range include Deo Tibba (6,001 meters) and Indrasan (6,221 meters), which are significant not only for their height but also for their strategic vantage points.
   
• Passes: Key passes such as Banihal Pass and Peer Ki Gali connect Kashmir and Jammu, enhancing regional connectivity and mobility for both security forces and militants.
   
• Rivers: The range spans between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, encompassing critical areas like Rajouri, Budhal, and Poonch on the Indian side.

Combined operations under Operation Sarvashakti

Operation Sarvashakti is designed to conduct coordinated counter-terrorism operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain ranges. The Chinar Corps, based in Srinagar, and the White Knight Corps, headquartered in Nagrota, will carry out simultaneous operations to disrupt terrorist networks and eliminate threats.

• Coordination among Forces: The operation will involve collaboration among various security agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operations Group (SOG), and intelligence agencies. This multi-agency approach aims to thwart Pakistan's attempts to revive terrorist activities in the region.
   
• Mode of operation: The operations are expected to mirror the successful strategies employed during Operation Sarpvinash, which was launched in 2003 to eliminate terrorists from the same areas south of the Pir Panjal range. During Operation Sarpvinash, 64 terrorists were killed, and a vast network of hideouts was discovered, marking a significant achievement in the fight against insurgency.

Challenges and considerations

While Operation Sarvashakti represents a proactive approach to counter-terrorism, several challenges must be addressed:

• Terrain and Geography: The rugged and densely forested terrain of the Pir Panjal range poses significant operational challenges for security forces, making it difficult to track and engage with mobile terrorist groups.
• Local Support: The success of counter-terrorism operations often hinges on local intelligence and support. Building trust within local communities is essential to gather actionable intelligence and reduce the influence of militant groups.
• Sustained Operations: Counter-terrorism efforts require sustained operations and resources. Ensuring that security forces are adequately equipped and supported over the long term is vital for the success of initiatives like Operation Sarvashakti.
• Political and Diplomatic Dimensions: The operation must be viewed within the broader context of India-Pakistan relations. Diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and promote regional stability are equally important.