Indian Army Foils Infiltration Attempt by Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly areas like Poonch and Rajouri, has long remained a hotspot for cross-border infiltration and militant activities. Due to their proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), these regions are highly sensitive and frequently targeted by Pakistan-based terror outfits. One such recent attempt by the banned terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was effectively foiled by the Indian Army, marking yet another significant victory in India’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Who is Jaish-e-Mohammed?
Jaish-e-Mohammed, commonly abbreviated as JeM, is a Pakistan-based terrorist group founded in the year 2000 by Masood Azhar, a former member of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. The group is notorious for carrying out suicide bombings, armed infiltrations, and large-scale terror attacks in India, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir. It was responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
JeM has been officially banned by the United Nations and designated as a terror organization by India, the U.S., UK, and many other countries. Despite international pressure, the organization is believed to receive tacit support from the Pakistani military establishment and its intelligence agency ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence).
The Infiltration Attempt in Poonch-Rajouri Sector
According to official reports, in the early hours of June 2025, Indian Army surveillance units detected suspicious movement near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch-Rajouri sector. Intelligence inputs had earlier warned of a potential infiltration bid, and the Army was on high alert.
A group of JeM terrorists, numbering around 5 to 6, attempted to cross the LoC under the cover of darkness. Their goal was to sneak into Indian territory and potentially carry out attacks or establish sleeper cells in the Kashmir Valley. The Indian Army’s Advanced Surveillance Systems, which included night vision drones, ground sensors, and radar-based tracking, played a critical role in early detection.
Interception and Operation by Indian Forces
Upon confirmation of the infiltration attempt, the Indian Army launched a swift and strategic operation to intercept the terrorists. The operation, involving elite units of the Rashtriya Rifles and special forces, resulted in a brief but intense firefight.
During the exchange, at least two terrorists were neutralized, while the others managed to flee back toward the Pakistan side of the LoC. Additionally, one local guide, who was helping the terrorists navigate the terrain, was captured alive by Indian forces. He is currently in custody and being interrogated for further intelligence.
The recovered items from the scene included:
- One AK-47 rifle with ammunition
- Hand grenades
- Satellite phones and GPS devices
- Pakistani-made food supplies
- JeM literature and insignias
These recoveries further confirm the identity and affiliations of the infiltrators.
Role of Local Intelligence and Technology
One of the key aspects that ensured the success of this operation was real-time intelligence sharing between local informants, the Army’s intelligence wing, and national security agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Furthermore, India’s adoption of advanced surveillance technologies in recent years has significantly enhanced its LoC monitoring capabilities. Infrared cameras, drone patrols, motion-sensing radars, and AI-based prediction models are being used to anticipate and detect infiltration activities in real time.
Strategic and Political Impact
The successful foiling of this infiltration attempt sends a strong message both domestically and internationally. For the Indian government, it is a testament to the efficiency and preparedness of its armed forces. Defense Minister and high-ranking officials lauded the efforts of the troops involved and reiterated India’s commitment to neutralizing cross-border terrorism.
Internationally, this incident has again highlighted Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as a tool of proxy warfare. Despite being under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list for several years (until its removal in 2022), Pakistan’s soil continues to be used for launching terror operations against India.
Ongoing Challenges
While this operation was successful, it also underscores the persistent challenges India faces in securing its borders:
- Terrain complexity: The mountainous, forested terrain of LoC areas like Poonch makes surveillance and patrols extremely difficult.
- Civilian sympathizers and overground workers (OGWs): Local facilitators, either ideologically driven or coerced, often help infiltrators with shelter, logistics, and movement.
- Pakistan’s dual stance: Despite diplomatic engagements, Pakistan’s security apparatus is believed to offer logistical and intelligence support to terrorist groups.
Measures Taken Post-Incident
In the aftermath of the incident, the following security enhancements were implemented:
- Increased patrolling in the LoC belt of Poonch and Rajouri.
- Enhanced coordination among the Indian Army, BSF, and CRPF in forward areas.
- Drone surveillance increased during night and early morning hours.
- Civil alerts issued in nearby border villages to report unusual movement or strangers.
Civilian Cooperation: A Crucial Component
The capture of the local guide has once again brought attention to the role of overground workers (OGWs). In many infiltration cases, these individuals, often from border villages, aid terrorists by providing safe routes and shelter. Government agencies are focusing on:
- Awareness campaigns
- Community vigilance programs
- Financial assistance and rehabilitation for reformed locals
These efforts aim to reduce local-level support for terrorists.
Conclusion
The Indian Army’s successful thwarting of a JeM-led infiltration attempt in the Poonch-Rajouri sector is a shining example of alertness, coordination, and tactical superiority. While two terrorists were neutralized and a guide was captured, the incident serves as a reminder of the constant threat that India faces from Pakistan-backed terrorist outfits.
As India continues to modernize its defense systems and integrate multi-agency intelligence networks, such operations serve not only to protect the nation’s sovereignty but also to maintain stability in a region fraught with historical and geopolitical tension.
The incident underlines the importance of constant vigilance, technological advancement, and international pressure on state sponsors of terrorism. It also calls for continued support to the brave men and women of the Indian armed forces who defend the country at great personal risk.
