Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander of the Udhampur-headquartered Northern Command, reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir on Saturday, 13 September 2025, assessing the prevailing security scenario and operational preparedness across the volatile region. The review comes amid a sustained security push across Jammu and Kashmir, where the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) continue coordinated anti-terrorist operations.

Key directives from the Army Commander

According to the Northern Command's post on social media platform X, Lt Gen Sharma was briefed on the security landscape and emphasised 'adaptability, precision, sustained vigilance and synergy' as the key enablers for successful, intelligence-driven operations and rapid response to emerging challenges.

During his interaction with troops deployed in the area, the Army Commander reportedly appreciated their 'indomitable spirit and dedication towards keeping the region free of terror and ensuring peace and stability.'

Reinforcements and deployment in the Jammu region

The review takes place against the backdrop of a significant force reinforcement across the wider region. The Indian Army has reportedly deployed 3,000 regular infantry troops — a brigade-level force — alongside 500 Para Special Forces commandos to the higher reaches and rugged terrains of the Jammu region. This strategic induction, comprising three infantry battalions and elite Para Commandos, was executed to counter a spike in terrorist activities and to neutralise highly-trained foreign terrorists operating south of the Pir Panjal range.

The deployment is concentrated in the dense forests, caves, and mountainous terrains of districts including Doda, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar — areas that have witnessed recurrent infiltration attempts in recent months.

Expanded security infrastructure

In tandem with the troop reinforcements, security forces have established Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) in vulnerable higher reaches. Local police units have also integrated high-altitude combat teams — including the specialised 'Snow Leopards' unit — to maintain a constant presence in terrain where terrorists have historically sought refuge.

The security infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir is a multi-layered grid comprising military, paramilitary, intelligence, and police agencies. It is coordinated at the highest level through a unified headquarters chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This comes amid what security officials have described as a recalibrated counter-terrorism doctrine that prioritises intelligence-led precision strikes over area-domination operations.

What lies ahead

The South Kashmir review signals the Northern Command's intent to tighten the counter-terrorism posture ahead of the approaching winter months, when infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) typically intensify before snow closes mountain passes. Security analysts will be watching whether the expanded grid and reinforcements translate into a measurable decline in terror incidents across the Union Territory.