Terrorist groups in touch with each other, Pakistani handlers: Intel

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, July 28

While security forces continue search operations in the forest areas of the region to eliminate the ultras who have infiltrated from Pakistan, intelligence agencies have unearthed that separate groups of terrorists moving upper reaches of the Jammu division often communicate with each other, directly or indirectly.

According to intelligence reports, at least 40-50 ultras are moving in the forest areas of Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch and Doda districts of the division. These ultras, who stay in groups of 2-4 persons, do not move together. They sometimes coordinate to launch combined operations against security forces.

High-frequency devices

• Intel agencies have found that some of the groups of these ultras have high-frequency communication devices
• They also use communication apps on cellphones of OGWs whenever they meet them.
• The communication is mostly done with Pak-based handlers who further contact terrorists in other areas for coordination among these groups.

Intelligence agencies have found that some of the groups of these ultras have high-frequency communication devices, which mostly remain undetected. They also use communication applications on mobile phones of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) whenever they meet them. The communication is mostly done with Pakistan-based handlers who further contact terrorists in other areas for coordination among these groups.

The intelligence agencies have arrested several OGWs in the recent times. Details from their cellphones revealed that ultras were using mobile applications for communication. So, they remain undetected by the agencies. The apps are deleted from mobile phones after being used by ultras.

“Due to the sophisticated means of communication, the security forces are not able to detect the movement of these terrorists. Years ago when terrorists used to have mobile or satellite phones, their location was revealed. However, with the advancement of technology and reach of Internet even in the rural areas of J&K, they remain invisible to the forces,” said a senior official in the Rajouri police.

The agencies have also found that more than one group was present during an ambush on a bus of pilgrims on June 9 in Reasi and attack on two Army vehicles on July 8 in Billawar of Kathua. Over three terrorists were present at the spot during these attacks indicating that it was the handiwork of more than one group who separated after the attack and apparently went in different directions. Nine pilgrims were killed in the Reasi attack, while five soldiers died in the Kathua attack.

“These terrorists are communicating directly or indirectly with each other with help of Pak handlers. They seem to be highly trained in remaining disguised in forest areas. It is clear that they have local support due to which they have been able to sustain for long time,” a source in the Army intelligence said.