The Border Security Force (BSF) has flagged the resurgence of nine Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror launch pads along the international border in Pakistan, directly opposite the Jammu sector. This development comes several months after these sites were neutralized during Operation Sindoor, an initiative that sought to dismantle terror infrastructure following a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives.
Recent intelligence inputs have indicated that these launch pads, utilized by militants as staging areas prior to infiltration attempts, have displayed significant activity in recent weeks. In response, security measures have been escalated in vulnerable border villages, emphasizing enhanced surveillance and control strategies aimed at thwarting potential cross-border incursions.
Among the revived sites are Chobara, Daluwali, Mastpur, Bajra Garhi, Sarjwal, and Jhang Bajwat. Reports suggest that these locations have experienced renewed activity after being dormant for approximately four to five months post-Operation Sindoor. Notably, some launch pads have reportedly re-emerged within a mere 5 kilometers of their original sites, strategically positioned to evade Indian artillery’s effective range.
Operation Sindoor began on May 7 as a significant military response to the aforementioned terror attack, targeting terror-related infrastructure and select military installations in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This initiative resulted in a ceasefire being established by May 10, alongside the destruction of numerous enemy posts, including the previously active Mastpur launch pad.
Officials have made it clear that these recently revived launch pads are not the same as the camps directly hit by air and artillery operations during the operation. BSF personnel have noted the regrouping of JeM operatives at these locations, who are attempting to utilize them once again as infiltration points. However, robust area domination and counter-infiltration strategies are currently preventing these efforts from succeeding.
In the past fortnight, the BSF’s Jammu frontier has coordinated with the Jammu and Kashmir Police to conduct surprise checks across more than two dozen border villages. On December 14 and 15, senior BSF officials conducted a thorough review of the security landscape, while the Director General of BSF, Praveen Kumar, undertook a personal assessment of counter-infiltration arrangements in the Samba and Kathua sectors, both known for their concentrations of JeM operatives across the border.
Delhi’s headquarters has been kept updated on the evolving situation. A senior officer remarked on a noticeable pattern over the last two months, emphasizing that JeM militants have begun reoccupying launch pads following a period of dormancy. The officer further noted, “Their intent is to push cadres across, but sustained vigilance and patrols are ensuring failure.”
The Mastpur area exemplifies this resurgence; although the original pad was destroyed on May 7, suspicious movements have been detected nearby, likely situated beyond the effective range of Indian artillery. Security forces have identified hotspots such as Ramgarh in the Samba district, leading to heightened surveillance and ambush strategies.
Joint operations have been intensified in Samba, Kathua, and RS Pura sectors, with teams utilizing explosive detectors to scrutinize vulnerable areas and suspected hideouts. The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) is also involved in bolstering detection and response capabilities.
To enhance local resilience against such threats, village defense volunteers are being trained at an accelerated pace. Recently, the BSF’s Jammu sector facilitated training for over two dozen volunteers in four villages across Paragwal, Kathua, and Samba. These volunteers are being instructed in advanced weapons handling and precise firing techniques for self-defense and emergency situations.
While security forces remain the primary responders to potential threats, the empowerment of local volunteers plays a crucial role in providing immediate support during emergencies. The revival of these launch pads serves as a stark reminder of JeM’s ongoing attempts to re-establish a foothold in the region, emphasizing the necessity for sustained vigilance and a multi-faceted counter-infiltration strategy to maintain border integrity amid evolving security challenges.
