Militants resorting to satellite phones in Kashmir, reveal intelligence reports

JAMMU: Substantial increase in usage of satellite phones by militants and anti-social elements across Line of Control (LoC) following abrogation of article 370 by the union government is becoming a new headache for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

While the government has, by and large, controlled the spread of anti-India agenda and communication between terror lords in Pakistan and militants in Kashmir by keeping suspended the mobile phone services in Valley for over two months, the latest reports of intelligence agencies assert that the terrorists have found a work-around for the problem.

Although, the militant activities sharply declined in the valley to a large extent following tough mode adopted by security forces post abrogation of article 370 on August 5 and Pulwama attack on February 14, the latest report of intelligence wing about a significant increase in satellite phone users has compelled security forces to devise a fresh counter-insurgency strategy.

If top sources belonging to security forces are to be believed, the restrictions on the communication imposed by authorities with abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir last month, had broken the back of militancy.

“After August 5, no major militant attack occurred in Kashmir Valley for over 2 months. Only this week when the postpaid mobile phones were restored, the militants have killed 3 non-locals in restive south Kashmir,” a top cop told The News Now.

“Few encounters between security forces and militants were held in the Kashmir valley, which were very less as compared to past,” he added.

Soon before announcing its decisions on August 5, the Centre had snapped phone and internet services as a precautionary measure to thwart any untoward incidents.

However, there seem to be an increase in satellite phones in Valley.

“Intelligence wings of security forces have reported significant increase in the satellite phone users. Militants are using satellite phones to contact their associates and to contact their handlers across LoC,” reports said.

“A number of FM stations near LoC in PoK, have also increased their frequency so people in Jammu and Kashmir can tune in those FM stations. There was a lot of anti-India propaganda and fiery religious speeches being broadcast on those FM stations,” the report of intelligence wing claims.

“This is a new strategy of militants and anti-social elements across LoC to disturb prevailing peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” a top security official said, wishing anonymity.

He added that the security forces are ready to tackle the situation.

“The security forces will soon devise a fresh strategy to tackle the situation,” he said.

Northern Command of the Army, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh recently said that around 200-300 terrorists are still active in the newly-announced territory of Jammu and Kashmir and at least 500 of them are receiving training from terror camps set up in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Comment on this Story