SRINAGAR: Security experts have called for strengthening counter-drone measures, including deploying anti-drone technology and activating air defence systems to ward off the recent threat of drone intrusions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu. They are seen as Pakistan’s renewed attempt to push weapons and narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir to sustain terrorism.
Former Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, S P Vaid, told this newspaper that Pakistan is trying to deliver arms and drugs to revive terrorism in the region, where local recruitment has almost stopped. The army on Tuesday evening fired at drones at two locations close to the LoC in Rajouri, forcing them to return to Pakistan.
Earlier, on Sunday, five drone intrusions were reported in the border districts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Samba in Jammu province. On the previous Friday, security forces recovered an arms consignment, including two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds, and a grenade, dropped by a Pakistani drone in Paloora village of Ghagwal near the IB in Samba district.
According to Vaid, with local recruitment almost non-existent, the consignments of drugs and weapons are meant for overground workers (OGWs) living in border areas to resupply terrorists hiding in the forests of Jammu, including Kishtwar, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua. “The terrorists, who are already active in the forest areas, need fresh weapons and ammunition as they might have exhausted some of their weapons and ammunition. Drones are being used to resupply them,” he said.
Vaid referred to the recent recovery of weapons in Samba district, saying it clearly exposed Pakistan’s intent. “Security forces have found arms and ammunition dropped by drones. This confirms that the objective is to keep terrorism alive through covert means,” he added.
The former police chief said Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir, who is facing political and economic turmoil back home, is trying to provoke India through such acts. “He wants to instigate India, but if he does, he will be taught a lesson by the Indian military. His partnerships with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, or China will not help him if Pakistan indulges in any misadventures,” Vaid warned.
Vaid stressed the need for a more robust response: “While anti-drone technology is being used by forces, there is a need to activate the air defence system along the frontiers to neutralise the drone threat.”
Consignments meant for overground workers
With local recruitment almost non-existent, the consignments of drugs and weapons are meant for overground workers (OGWs) living in border areas to resupply terrorists hiding in the forests of Jammu, including Kishtwar, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua