Encrypted messages, better weapons, narcotics: Common factors in recent J&K attacks

The attacks — a majority of which take place in areas south of the Pir Panjal range — have increased in intensity and frequency in the recent months.

As per officials, terrorists use Ultra sets — a basic radio set connected to a mobile set without a SIM card — to send out encrypted messages to their handlers across the Line of Control (LoC). A multimedia application is installed in the mobile phone and it is connected to radio set via wireless. Any message is first encrypted and then transmitted through Ultra High Frequency (UHF).

During an attack, militants on the ground do not use the equipment for communication among themselves. All messages are transmitted to the control across the LoC, and relayed back to the other persons concerned to do the needful, ensuring that contact is maintained only between the control and the militants. Radio sets are switched off immediately after the message is sent out, officials said, adding when security forces track down the location, the message sent cannot be accessed.

The terrorists are trained physically and mentally to stay away from the local populace, and in use of modern weapons, according to officials. Operating from higher reaches allows the militants to disappear into mountains and forests after carrying out an attack.

Officials pointed out that compared to the past, militants now use better weapons — for instance, they have been using the US-developed M4 rifles with night sights, among others. “This gives them advantage of range and earlier detection of troop movement during an operation, enabling them to cause first casualty of security forces before disappearing into the forests,” an official said. To generate funds for the attacks, an official said, “A number of narcotics are being sent from across the LoC using both drones and human couriers. That is because it is easier to ferry a small package of narcotics instead of a large amount of cash.”

The funds generated are given to on-ground workers (OGWs) and are disbursed for local procurement of any kind of stores, including weapons. Officials in know of the matter stated while religious motivation has always been a key factor, additional funds doled out to their families in recent time also pushes them to carry out attacks. “With increased monetary benefits and reduced or no direct contact with terrorists, some OGWs also feel safer to assist them,” another official said.

Militant killed by CRPF troops in J&K

Srinagar: A militant was killed during an exchange of fire with CRPF personnel deployed at an EC-directed check post in Baramulla district Saturday, officials said. The incident took place near a veterinary hospital in Watergam area of Sopore in the said district. Officials said a CRPF party drawn from 92nd battalion was deployed at a ‘naka’ (check post) when a militant fired shots at them using a pistol. The troops at the check post retaliated leading to the killing of the militant, they said. J&K Police posted on X, “Exchange of fire at Watergam area of Sopore. Alert security forces retaliated.” PTI