Indian forces have been taken aback by a fresh surge of attacks from Hurriyat militants in Kashmir, marking a significant shift in the region's ongoing insurgency.
According to a report published by The Guardian, these militants are now utilizing modern weaponry and tactics, presenting a formidable challenge to Indian security forces.
Ahead of India’s forthcoming elections, the resurgence of militant activities has put the region on high alert. The Guardian report states that the morale of Indian forces is diminishing, while the Hurriyat fighters appear more resolute in their struggle for freedom. The use of sophisticated arms by the Kashmiri mujahideen has been acknowledged by Indian military officials, who are grappling with the challenge posed by these guerilla warfare tactics.
Indian forces, traditionally equipped to handle conventional insurgencies, are reportedly finding it increasingly difficult to counter the militants' new strategies. According to military sources, Kashmiri fighters are now employing drones to deliver munitions and relying on the rugged terrain to evade detection. The fighters’ ability to strike with precision and swiftly disappear into Kashmir’s mountainous landscape has left Indian intelligence agencies struggling to gather actionable information.
A key development in this new wave of attacks is the extension of militant operations into previously unaffected areas, including Hindu-majority Jammu province. The militants, who once operated primarily within the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, have expanded their activities, further complicating security efforts. Ambush-style attacks, where soldiers are struck unexpectedly and the attackers vanish before reappearing elsewhere, have become a defining feature of the conflict.
Experts believe that the renewed insurgency undermines the Indian government’s narrative of stability in Kashmir, which it has maintained since the controversial abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Despite government claims of normalcy, the uptick in violence suggests otherwise.
An unnamed Indian Army official confirmed to The Guardian that the militants possess advanced weaponry and have received better training, leading the military to request additional resources. "This time, we are more scared," the official remarked, reflecting the growing concerns within Indian security circles.
