Why in News?

The recent killing of 26 tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam by terrorists has brought the spotlight back on the persistent infiltration threats along the India-Pakistan border, particularly in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

The incident underscores the urgent need for a robust counter-infiltration grid, enhanced surveillance technology, and better border infrastructure.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• The Terrain and Tactical Challenges
• Infiltration - Patterns and Prevention
• Counter-Infiltration Measures
• Border Security During Winters
• The Way Forward
• Conclusion

The Terrain and Tactical Challenges:

• Difficult terrain in Pir Panjal range:
  • Dense forests with poor visibility (less than 100 meters).
  • Rugged topography spanning hundreds of kilometres.
  • Ideal hideouts for terrorists, making search and counter-operations difficult.
  • For example, Baisaran, 6 km from Pahalgam, is accessible only on foot or by pony.
    • The meadow is ringed by the densely forested Pir Panjal mountains that stretch far, toward Kokernag and Kishtwar to the south and Balatal and Sonamarg to the north.
• Security forces at risk:
  • Over 50 army personnel have been martyred in counter-terror operations in areas like Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, and Doda.
  • Terrorists, often trained in Pakistan, operate in stealth, avoid local contact, and use encrypted communication tools.

Infiltration - Patterns and Prevention:

• India-Pakistan border profile:
  • Total border length: 3,300+ km, of which ~1,000 km lies in J&K.
  • Infiltration attempts have significantly decreased: Since the 2003 ceasefire agreement.
• Historical trends in infiltration:
  • Infiltration in the 1990s was in the thousands annually.
  • As of 2010, successful attempts dropped to 21% (52 out of 247).
  • Current annual infiltration is estimated between 50–100.
• Pakistan-backed infiltration:
  • Around 60% of terrorists killed in J&K in 2024 were Pakistani nationals.
  • Source-based reports indicate three attackers in the Pahalgam incident were from Pakistan.

Counter-Infiltration Measures:

• Role of border fencing:
  • Nearly the entire India-Pakistan border (including the LoC) is fenced.
  • Fencing reduces infiltration but needs continuous repair and technological upgrades.
• Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS): Introduced post-Pathankot attack (2016), CIBMS uses advanced tech like -
  • Thermal imagers, IR and laser sensors, aerostats,
  • Radars, fibre-optic sensors, sonar for riverine borders.
• CIBMS challenges:
  • Delays due to tech unavailability and planning issues.
  • Project deadline shifted from Dec 2018 to Dec 2025.
  • Riverine patch solutions remain underdeveloped.

Border Security During Winters:

• Weather-induced damage:
  • One-third of the fence is damaged each winter due to snow up to 15 feet.
  • Repairs take 3–4 months, leading to temporary security gaps.
• Operational difficulties:
  • Inhospitable conditions: Sub-zero temperatures, fog, and rain affect alertness.
  • Limited rest for soldiers: 1 night’s sleep in 3 days is common.
  • Night vision and surveillance devices: Have limited operating hours and often lack power sources.

The Way Forward:

• Technological upgradation:
  • Develop smart fences with real-time breach alerts.
  • Enhance aerial surveillance and tunnel detection technology.
  • Invest in all-weather surveillance
• Infrastructure investment:
  • Build weather-resilient fences.
  • Ensure power availability for surveillance equipment.
  • Bolster manpower training and rest-rotation policies to maintain alertness.

Conclusion:

The Pahalgam terror attack reaffirms the continuing threat of cross-border terrorism in J&K and the urgent need to strengthen India's counter-infiltration infrastructure.

While efforts like the CIBMS and border fencing have shown results, gaps in implementation, weather challenges, and evolving terrorist tactics necessitate a comprehensive, technology-driven, and well-funded security strategy.