The National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite anti-terrorism force, is planning to deploy a special task force in the Jammu region due to rising terror attacks in the area, officials said on Sunday. As per an India Today report, sources confirmed the deployment adding that it is backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is aimed at strengthening security and responding more speedily in case of an emergency or any terror-related occurrence.
This task force from the NSG will be permanently deployed to counter the ever-emerging terror elements in Jammu. An NSG team will be deputed here and, subsequently, any kind of emergencies or attacks anywhere in the Jammu region districts like Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Reasi, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Udhampur can be handled without much delay.
Also read: From Kabaili Raids to Gulmarg Assaults: Is History Repeating Itself in Kashmir?
Jammu has experienced several terrorist attacks this year, with strikes hitting eight of its ten districts. The spillover has claimed a large number of casualties, including 18 security men and 14 civilians. As part of counter-terror operations, the security forces have so far neutralised 13 terrorists.
The insurgent activities in the Rajouri-Poonch region, which had been on the wane, have again returned to the fore. Attacks on military vehicles have killed more than 100 people, including 47 security personnel since October 2021. Whereas around 48 terrorists were killed by the security forces during the same timeframe.
There are greater efforts from security forces. They comprise the army, the Jammu police, and the central armed forces. Primarily, they focus on operations that involve intensification of action against terrorism, particularly where forests exist and terrorists find shelters. To prevent infiltration, the security forces have increased night patrolling of borders.
The government will further strengthen the security apparatus in one of India’s most unstable regions and ensure that a quick and effective counterreaction to terror threats is ensured by sending an NSG team to Jammu. There has been growing concern about the stability of the Jammu region and the need for more robust and efficient counterterrorism measures.