Army reinforces counter-infiltration measures along LoC ahead of Jammu Kashmir Assembly polls

This multi-level redeployment aims to destabilize terrorist elements by disrupting their hideouts, forcing them into direct contact, and preventing their access to population centers, reported The Indian Express.

Additionally, around 300 companies of central armed paramilitary forces have been deployed for the first phase of the elections, set for September 18.

These forces will be stationed in towns and rural areas to protect polling stations, candidates, and voters.

The Army will avoid population centers, and a sector of the Assam Rifles is being deployed in the Jammu region.

As part of this strategy, the Army will carry out intense search and large-scale seek-and-destroy operations, Indian Express reported.

The preparations also include Route Opening Parties intensifying their operations, and additional check posts, including mobile vehicle checkpoints, will be established in population centers and along key roads.

Drones will be deployed to enhance surveillance and maintain area dominance, while monitoring of known overground workers has already been increased.

Officials have indicated that the Army has also set aside adequate reserves to respond swiftly to any contingencies that may arise.

An official acknowledged that due to the increased tempo of operations, which "can be sustained for a limited time frame," these efforts will be focused specifically ahead of and during the upcoming election

Intelligence reports indicate that terrorists may attempt "low-key incidents to disrupt election activities," designed to avoid provoking large-scale retaliation from security forces, Indian Express reported.

The new organisation further reported citing sources that security forces have developed specific response strategies to address various potential situations during the elections.

In recent months, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a surge in terror attacks, resulting in casualties among security personnel.

Last month, many of these attacks — primarily in areas south of the Pir Panjal range — have involved militants equipped with advanced communications tools for encrypted messaging and modern rifles. They also appear to be better trained, both psychologically and physically, and seem to be involved in narcotics trafficking, according to the Indian Express report.