Operation Sindoor: Why South Kashmir’s four districts are safe haven for terrorist activities

South Kashmir’s districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian have become notorious as strongholds for terrorist activities. Multiple factors contribute to these districts being preferred bases for militants, posing significant challenges for security operations.

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The geography of these districts—with dense forests and rugged hills—provides natural cover for terrorists. This difficult terrain allows militants to move undetected and makes it hard for security forces to conduct effective operations.

Local Support Networks

Many terrorists receive shelter and assistance from local residents. Such support networks help militants with logistics, hiding places, and intelligence, prolonging their presence in the region.

Lack of Community Cooperation

Despite knowledge of terrorist movements, locals often hesitate to share information with the army or police. This reluctance severely limits the ability of security forces to pre-empt or respond to militant activities effectively.

Operational Challenges for Security Forces

The combination of unfavorable terrain and limited local cooperation makes counterterrorism efforts complex. The army faces persistent difficulties navigating the environment and gathering actionable intelligence in these districts.

Until these issues are addressed, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian are likely to remain key hubs of terrorist activity in South Kashmir, requiring sustained focus from security agencies.