Mirza further added: Lt. Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua They are directing attacks inside Indian territory with the intention of engaging the Indian Army’s 15 Corps. He said two battalions of the SSG are stationed in Muzaffarabad and are ready to cross into Indian territory through Jammu and Kashmir.
“SSG Maj Gen Adil Rehamani is in Muzaffarabad city and is launching fresh attacks against India…One SSG battalion under Lt Col Shahid Saleem Janjua has already entered Indian territory and is conducting high speed attacks against Indian security forces…Two more battalions are in Muzaffarabad and are ready to infiltrate into India via Jammu and Kashmir. This attack is being conducted directly by Pakistani forces,” Mirza told ANI.
These developments have raised fears of a conflict similar to the 1999 Kargil war, in which around 5,000 Pakistani troops intruded into Indian territory, escalating into a protracted and violent conflict. The Pir Panjal mountain range, a strategic area that straddles Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, remains a key zone due to the difficult terrain that provides cover for intruders. Former Jammu and Kashmir Police Commissioner Shesh Paul Vaid also supports these claims. In an X video, Vaid confirmed that “Pakistan Army’s Major General Adil Rehamani has been orchestrating such attacks in Jammu and Kashmir recently. The presence of around 600 SSG commandos infiltrating the area indicates a deliberate act of war. They are focused on engaging 15th and 16th Corps.”
Vaid also said Lt. Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua was leading the operation from the area with the support of local jihadi networks and sleeper cells. He added: “Two SSG battalions are on standby and this appears to be a covert war launched by Pakistan.”
Indian military response
In response to these developments, the Indian Army has reactivated its Village Defense Forces and launched Operation Serp Vanish 2.0. Overseen by the Prime Minister’s Office and reporting directly to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Army Chief, the operation aims to eliminate terrorists and Pakistani soldiers hiding in the mountainous terrain. Troops will be deployed within a radius of 80 kilometers to secure strategic points and target ground operatives supporting terrorists.
Recent security trends
Recent terrorist activities have further complicated the security situation. On June 9, terrorists attacked a bus in Jammu’s Reasi district, killing nine people. Ground activist Hakam Deen was arrested for supporting terrorists. Subsequent attacks also took place in Kathua, Doda district and Kulgam. These incidents reflect growing discontent among Pakistan and terrorist groups over the results of India’s recent elections.
Following on from the Kargil war, the Indian Army has stepped up efforts to stabilize the region and prevent a large-scale conflict. The situation remains volatile and efforts are ongoing to address the security challenges posed by these alleged covert operations.
