Recent claims have emerged suggesting a covert operation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri activist Amjad Ayub Mirza and former J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid have raised alarms about a significant infiltration by Pakistani Special Service Group (SSG) commandos, a unit closely associated with the Pakistani army.
In a recent post on X, Mirza alleged that Major General Adil Rehmani, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Pakistan’s SSG, is leading an offensive from Muzaffarabad. According to Mirza, around 600 SSG commandos have infiltrated the Kupwara region and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with assistance from local jihadi sleeper cells.
Mirza further claimed that Lt. Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua is spearheading attacks within Indian territory, targeting the Indian Army’s 15 Corps. He also mentioned that two additional SSG battalions are stationed in Muzaffarabad, ready to enter Indian territory through Jammu and Kashmir. “Maj General Adil Rehmani of SSG is located inside Muzaffarabad and is conducting the new offensive against India… One SSG battalion under Lt Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua has already entered Indian territory and is conducting high-velocity attacks on Indian security forces… Two more battalions are in Muzaffarabad ready to enter India via Jammu and Kashmir. This attack is being conducted directly by the Pakistan Army,” Mirza stated to ANI.
Historical Parallels and Strategic Concerns
The recent events have raised concerns about a potential conflict similar to the Kargil War of 1999. During that time, around 5,000 Pakistani soldiers entered Indian territory, resulting in a prolonged and intense conflict. The Pir Panjal Range, located in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, remains a critical area due to its difficult terrain, which offers cover for infiltrators.
Former J&K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid has echoed these claims. He confirmed in a video on X that, “Maj General Adil Rehmani of the Pakistan Army has been organizing these attacks in Jammu and Kashmir recently. The presence of approximately 600 SSG commandos infiltrating the region indicates a deliberate act of war. They are focusing on engaging the 15 and 16 Corps.”
Additionally, Lt. Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua is leading operations from within the area with the assistance of local sleeper cells and jihadi networks, according to Vaid. “With two additional SSG battalions on standby, this appears to be a covert war initiated by Pakistan,” he continued.
Indian Army’s Response
The Indian Army initiated Operation Serp Vanish 2.0 and reconstituted its Village Defence Forces in response to these events. The goal of this operation is to wipe out terrorists and Pakistani soldiers who are hiding in the mountainous areas. It is being managed by the Prime Minister’s Office and immediately reported to the Army Chief and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Within an 80-kilometer radius, troops have been sent in to secure key areas and take out those overground who assist terrorists.
The latest terrorist attacks have made everything more challenging in terms of security. Nine people lost their lives when terrorists attacked a bus in Jammu’s Reasi area on June 9.
Hakam Deen, an over-ground employee, was captured for supporting the terrorists. Attacks have since happened in Kulgam, Doda district, and Kathua. Similar to the Kargil War, the Indian Army’s increased efforts are intended to stabilise the area and avert major conflicts. With continuous efforts to resolve the security concerns faced by these purported hidden operations, the situation is still unstable.
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