Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley has entered a period of heightened security with a series of intense encounters between security forces and militants, resulting in the elimination of eight militants in the first week of November.
These operations carried out across various districts of the valley have yielded important results for the security agencies, particularly in targeting foreign militants. Seven out of the eight slain militants were confirmed to be Pakistani nationals, highlighting the increasing pressure on foreign terrorist elements in the region.
The most notable operation was the elimination of Usman Lashkari, a senior Lashkar (TRF) commander and a Pakistani national with two decades of experience, in Srinagar on November 2nd.
Another encounter on the same day in Anantnag saw the killing of a local militant, Arbaaz, and a Pakistani militant. Arbaaz, previously associated with Jaish’s shadow network PAFF, had been active in both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
An advanced American M4 rifle typically in possession of high-ranking commanders, was recovered during an encounter in Bandipora. A similar incident occurred in Kupwara on November 5th, where a Pakistani militant was eliminated, and a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered, according to the security forces.
On November 7th, two Pakistani militants were killed in Sopore, Baramulla, further reinforcing the trend of foreign militants being targeted and neutralised by the security forces.
Experts attribute the increased security pressure to the near absence of militant activity during the recent assembly elections in the Kashmir valley. They believe that the militants, facing shrinking numbers and diminished local support, are attempting to “destabilise” the region as they face mounting pressure.
With the arrival of winter, infiltration attempts from across the border are expected to intensify, putting further strain on the militant leadership. This, coupled with the declining number of local recruits, has created a scenario where foreign militants are increasingly isolated and vulnerable, Experts believe.
