The Indian Army has significantly revamped its winter counterterror strategy in the Jammu region, marking a decisive shift in operational tactics in the snowbound districts of Kishtwar and Doda. Traditionally, security forces reduce their activities during the coldest phase of winter, known locally as “chillai kalan” (from December 21 to January 31), when heavy snowfall isolates the region and makes operations extremely challenging. This year, however, the army has adopted a proactive winter posture, intensifying its presence in the higher reaches to tighten the noose around terrorists seeking refuge in the inaccessible mountainous terrain.

Officials familiar with the operations, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the shift underscores the army’s adaptability and commitment to maintaining operational momentum, regardless of harsh weather conditions.

Focus on Kishtwar and Doda

The mountainous districts of Kishtwar and Doda have long been known for their rugged terrain, dense forests, and severe winter conditions, making them a preferred hideout for terrorists. According to assessments by intelligence agencies, around 30–35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in these regions, attempting to exploit the harsh winter conditions to evade detection and regroup.

“These terrorists are cornered by ongoing counterterror operations and have retreated deeper into snow-covered mountains, areas that are largely uninhabited and extremely challenging for security forces to operate in,” said a senior official. “Our winter strategy ensures that these zones remain under constant surveillance and operational pressure, denying terrorists any opportunity for safe concealment.”

Proactive Winter Strategy

Under the new approach, army units have expanded their operational reach into higher and snowbound areas, instead of scaling down activities during the winter months. Temporary bases and surveillance posts have been established deep inside the snow-covered areas to maintain a continuous presence and prevent militants from taking advantage of the season’s isolation.

Patrols operate in sub-zero temperatures with limited visibility, traversing high-altitude ridgelines, valleys, and forested areas. The army’s efforts are aimed at preventing terrorist infiltration, disrupting their logistics, and cutting off communication channels, significantly reducing their operational capabilities.

“The new winter strategy represents an evolution in counterterror tactics. We are no longer reacting to seasonal constraints; we are proactively shaping the battlefield even under the harshest environmental conditions,” an official said.

Integrated Approach with Multiple Agencies

A key feature of this year’s strategy is its integrated approach. The army is coordinating closely with multiple security and law enforcement agencies, including:

• Jammu and Kashmir Police
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Special Operations Group (SOG)
• Forest guards
• Village Defence Guards
• Civil administration units

This inter-agency cooperation ensures seamless intelligence sharing, optimized use of resources, and sharper operational execution, officials said. Field commanders have reported that coordination between agencies has enhanced response times and improved the overall effectiveness of counterterror missions in the snowbound terrain.

Use of Technology as a Force Multiplier

Modern technology has become a critical force multiplier in the winter operations. Officials highlighted the use of drones, ground sensors, and surveillance radars to detect movement, track heat signatures, and identify potential routes used by terrorists. These systems are integrated into the army’s information network, enabling continuous monitoring and rapid decision-making, even under adverse conditions.

Thermal imaging devices and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have proved invaluable, particularly during night operations and in terrains where conventional patrolling is hazardous. By combining technology with soldiers’ familiarity with the geography, the army ensures that no zone remains unmonitored and that terrorists cannot exploit natural cover.

Impact on Terrorist Operations

According to officials, the winter strategy has already disrupted terrorist hideouts and logistics, forcing militants to stay on the move and limiting their ability to coordinate attacks. The continuous surveillance and operational pressure prevent them from regrouping, replenishing supplies, or receiving outside support.

“The snow-covered mountains were previously considered semi-safe zones for terrorists during chillai kalan. Our proactive presence in these areas changes the operational dynamics entirely,” said a security official. “The pressure forces terrorists to either attempt dangerous movements or remain trapped in areas where they can be located and neutralized.”

Challenges and Human Endurance

Operating in the snowbound regions of Jammu presents immense challenges. Soldiers contend with sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, avalanches, and limited mobility. Communications are difficult, and the terrain often requires the use of specialized equipment and mountaineering skills.

Despite these hardships, army units are maintaining regular patrols and checkpoints. Temporary shelters, warming stations, and medical facilities have been set up to ensure operational sustainability. The physical endurance, training, and motivation of the troops have been crucial in executing these winter operations successfully.

Strategic Significance

The proactive winter strategy reflects a broader evolution in counterterrorism tactics, signaling that the army is no longer bound by seasonal operational pauses. It allows security forces to:

• Maintain constant pressure on militants
• Prevent infiltration into populated areas
• Disrupt terrorist networks and supply chains
• Enhance intelligence gathering and surveillance
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination

Analysts note that the approach demonstrates India’s adaptive security posture, combining traditional ground operations with modern technology and inter-agency cooperation. By denying terrorists seasonal hideouts, the strategy reduces the likelihood of attacks in civilian-populated areas and strengthens national security.

Conclusion

As the army intensifies winter operations in Jammu’s snow-clad regions, the message is clear: terrorists can no longer rely on harsh weather or rugged terrain to evade capture. The integrated approach, technological surveillance, and continuous operational pressure represent a significant shift in India’s counterterror strategy, emphasizing adaptability, persistence, and a commitment to maintaining security irrespective of environmental challenges.

Officials believe that sustained winter operations in Kishtwar and Doda will continue to degrade terrorist capabilities and reinforce India’s overall counterterror framework. While the soldiers face extreme hardships in the field, their efforts are critical to securing vulnerable regions and protecting civilians from potential threats.

With the combination of on-ground vigilance, technological force multipliers, and inter-agency coordination, the Indian Army is setting new benchmarks for winter counterterror operations, reflecting a strategic evolution that may shape security doctrines in high-altitude conflict zones across the region.