Two terrorists were killed in an ongoing operation along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jumagund area of the Keran sector in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday, officials said. The infiltrators were reportedly wearing white snow-camouflage uniforms. Security forces remain on high alert following intelligence warnings of a possible increase in infiltration attempts ahead of winter snowfall.
According to a senior security official, alert Indian Army personnel spotted suspicious movement in the snow-covered Jumagund sector, triggering an encounter around 3 am. When challenged, the infiltrators attempted to flee instead of surrendering and opened fire at the troops. The Army responded with precise retaliatory fire, resulting in the deaths of both terrorists.
Officials noted that movement by three to four individuals had been observed, and a search operation remains underway in the difficult, rugged terrain.
White camouflage uniforms raise concerns
Attention has been drawn to the attire of the infiltrators. Field reports indicate that the terrorists were wearing white uniforms and specialised snow-camouflage gear similar to that used by soldiers deployed in high-altitude, snow-bound regions.
These white suits serve a dual purpose. First, they allow the wearer to blend into a snow-covered environment, making them extremely difficult to detect even for trained personnel or surveillance systems. Second, they provide protection against the extreme cold currently being experienced in the high-altitude, snow-covered areas of Jammu and Kashmir following recent heavy snowfall.
The use of such military-style white clothing is significant, as it is not typical attire for terrorists. Security sources said such specialised uniforms are generally issued to Army personnel for operations in snow-bound regions during winter. This suggests that the infiltrators may have received logistical support and instructions from across the border, potentially involving units of the Pakistani Army or the Pakistan Rangers active in areas near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Officials noted that the full picture will emerge only after a detailed examination of the bodies and the recovered items. However, initial assessments indicate a well-planned infiltration attempt, possibly backed by external assistance, with the objective of exploiting adverse weather conditions, heavy snowfall and poor visibility.
Difficult terrain along the LoC
The Jumagund sector is a remote, high-altitude area along the LoC that is extremely difficult to access at this time of year. Heavy snowfall just two days earlier created conditions conducive to concealment and reduced the effectiveness of surveillance systems.
Despite these challenges, the vigilance of the soldiers deployed in the area ensured that the group of infiltrators was intercepted before they could fully enter Indian territory.
The operation comes at a time when the entire LoC and its surrounding areas have been placed on high alert following intelligence inputs.
Forces on high alert ahead of winter
In view of recent intelligence reports warning of major infiltration attempts from PoK during the winter months, security forces along the LoC have been placed on high alert.
Reports state that terrorist launch pads across the border in PoK have become active once again. According to intelligence inputs, Pakistan’s ISI and the Rangers have reactivated approximately 9–10 launch pads in PoK. Around 500 trained terrorists are believed to be present there, with more than 150 having already reached forward camps near the LoC.
Terrorist groups are attempting to infiltrate these trained operatives into Jammu and Kashmir before heavy winter snowfall closes the mountain passes. It is believed that small, mobile groups may use tunnels, dense snow-covered forests, white camouflage gear and river routes to evade surveillance and drones.
The ongoing encounter in the Jumagund area of the Keran sector in Kupwara district is seen as confirming this intelligence input. Alert security forces intercepted a group of terrorists near the LoC as they were attempting to infiltrate Indian territory.
Search operation underway
Following earlier incidents, including a landmine explosion in Poonch that resulted in the death of a suspected terrorist from across the LoC, joint cordon and search operations have been intensified along the LoC in both north Kashmir and the Jammu division.
Patrolling has been increased in sectors including Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, Uri, Gurez, Keran, Machil and Tangdhar. Security forces comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies have established a multi-layered deployment, stretching from the LoC to the hinterlands, towns and cities, to thwart any plans by terrorist handlers across the border.
The use of white, military-style camouflage uniforms in the ongoing operation aligns with the operational pattern identified by intelligence agencies, in which small, highly mobile groups advance using the cover provided by snow. To achieve this, they employ specialised gear that not only conceals their movements but also offers protection against the extreme cold.
Security officials said such tactics indicate a high level of preparedness among the terrorists and shed light on the nature of the support they may be receiving from outside.
The operation in the snow-covered Jumagund area is still underway, and further details are awaited. The operation continues to neutralise any remaining terrorists from the group who may still be present in the area.
Bureau Report
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