Terrorists planning suicide attacks in Jammu and Kashmir during assembly polls

With the advent of autumn, the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert. Previously, during such times, the last week of September or early October had witnessed minimal infiltration across the Line Of Control (LOC) due to the closing of mountain passes. However, concerns over suicide attacks in Jammu have escalated as the assembly elections this year have triggered new attempts at infiltration by terrorist organizations.  The assembly elections this year have triggered new attempts at infiltration by terrorist organizations, which have been strengthened and supported by Pakistan’s ISI, with an effort to revive terrorist attacks that can stall democratic electoral activities.

Terror groups targeting elections

Intelligence reports point out that organisations such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed are intensifying plans to strike at political leaders and security forces during the election process. There are concerns of potential suicide attacks by fringe terrorist organisations based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Mixed groups of terrorists, referred to as “mixed tanzeems,” meaning they are affiliated with various organizations have been reported in many of the strategic locations near the LOC. One such group reportedly consisting of four to five militants from different organizations has been spotted in Sonar, a known launch pad for cross-border infiltrations. These terrorists are said to have a local guide aiding their movement.

Lashkar and the resistance force operations

Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Force are also reported to be mobilising in Nali, near Bhimber, across the LOC. Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring this movement as they prepare to counter any attempt to disrupt elections.

Further reports also reveal that three foreign terrorists, one of whom was spotted wearing a turban, were reported to have been seen in the area. These groups are said to be setting up attacks to disrupt the election process.

While the terrorists are trying to disrupt the balance of power in the region, so far, they have not succeeded. A peaceful election with perfect results will obviously be a huge failure for these groups and their supporters, highlighting the strength of democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Security agencies remain vigilant, determined to ensure that the elections proceed without major incidents.

Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls

Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir began on September 18 and will end on October 1, with voting in three phases. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has 90 Assembly seats spread over 20 districts, with an electorate of more than 8.7 million voters, almost equally divided between male and female voters-4.4 million in each category. Several regional parties, including the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), People’s Conference (PC), People’s Movement (JKPM), and Apni Party, have confirmed their participation. The Congress has entered into an alliance with the NC, while the BJP plans to contest the election independently.

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