Surge in Attacks Raises Concerns in Jammu Region of Kashmir

Recent attacks in Reasi, a district in Jammu, have sparked fears as violence appears to be shifting from the historically troubled Kashmir Valley to the previously calmer Jammu area. This worrying trend has emerged amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict in the region, which has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for decades. Since the onset of an armed insurgency in 1989, thousands have lost their lives, and experts are now concerned that the resurgence of militant activity in Jammu could signal a strategic shift in operations. The rise in violence, particularly since 2021, has unsettled security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. This increase follows the Indian government's decision to revoke the region's special status in 2019, which some analysts believe has led to a deliberate attempt by militant groups to divert the army's focus from other critical areas. Historically, Jammu experienced a spillover of militancy in the late 1990s but had remained relatively peaceful since 2002. The recent uptick in attacks has raised alarms among security officials. Military experts suggest that the current situation may be exacerbated by geopolitical factors, including India's ongoing tensions with China in the Ladakh region. The need to deploy additional troops to Ladakh has reportedly left Jammu vulnerable, as forces have been reassigned from the area. Army spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal emphasized the importance of coordinated operations with local police to combat the threat posed by foreign terrorists. As the security landscape in Jammu evolves, the army is adapting its strategies to address the unique challenges posed by the region's terrain and the shifting dynamics of militancy.