Emerging Threat: Retired soldiers from Pakistan Army linked to Terrorism in Kashmir

In a concerning revelation, incidents involving retired soldiers of the Pakistan Army collaborating with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have come to light. While the Pakistan Army's support for terrorists has been known, the involvement of retired soldiers engaging in acts of terror is now under scrutiny by Indian security agencies. 

At least two such incidents have been reported recently, with one terrorist killed in the Kalakote encounter in Rajouri identified as a retired Pakistan Army soldier. The security establishment is exploring various possibilities, including these retired soldiers working as mercenaries, getting radicalized, or being enlisted due to a shortage of local recruits. 

Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, revealed that some active terrorists and those killed in Jammu and Kashmir were retired soldiers of the Pakistan Army. With a lack of local recruits, Pakistan seems to be relying on retired soldiers to infiltrate terrorists into the region. The military background of these individuals makes them better trained and more resilient, posing a challenge for security forces. 

The Afghanistan link 

The elimination of these terrorists is taking time due to their military expertise, possibly gained from operating in Afghanistan, as was evident following the elimination of an LeT terrorist in Rajouri during the recent encounter. Notably, LeT Commander, operating under the code name Qari, had been a significant presence in the Rajouri-Poonch region for the past year, leading a group of militants. The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit strategically deployed Qari to rekindle and intensify terrorist activities in the area, according to official statements.

Qari's expertise encompassed various critical aspects of insurgency operations. He had mastered the art of crafting and employing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), making him a formidable threat. Additionally, his proficiency in concealing and orchestrating activities from caves added a layer of complexity to counter-terrorism efforts. Qari's training as a skilled sniper further elevated the threat level he posed. 

Notorious Border Action Teams (BAT) implicated 

The LeT commander's focus on the Rajouri-Poonch region indicated a strategic move by the outfit to extend its influence and carry out disruptive actions in the area. Meanwhile, the Indian Army recovered war-like stores, medicines, medical equipment, an lothing from the Kalakote encounter site in Rajouri. 

The emergence of such cases raises concerns about the evolving tactics employed by Pakistan, showcasing a shift towards involving retired military personnel in terror activities. Significantly, Pakistan's Border Action Teams (BAT), known for aiding terror infiltrations into Indian territory, have been implicated in these incidents. Comprising commandos from the Pakistan Army, including the notorious Special Service Group (SSG), and terrorists, BAT engages in unconventional warfare against Indian forces. The involvement of retired soldiers in terror activities adds a new dimension to Pakistan's strategy in the region.