Jammu, Mar 18: A high-security alert has been declared across Jammu and Kashmir following a series of terror attacks in Pakistan, including the killing of a senior commander of the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), officials confirmed on Tuesday.
In response to the recent developments, all protected individuals, including politicians, have been advised to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to security protocols for their safety. Security forces have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure that anti-national elements do not target soft locations, especially by increasing area domination patrols and conducting search operations.
The alert follows multiple terror incidents in Balochistan, such as a train hijacking and the killing of LeT commander Zia-ur-Rehman alias Nadeem. Rehman, who was involved in several deadly attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the killings of civilians in Rajouri in January 2023 and pilgrims in Reasi in June 2024, was shot dead along with his bodyguard in an attack in Jhelum, Punjab province, Pakistan, on Saturday.
Rehman was considered a trusted associate of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and had infiltrated Jammu in the early 2000s. His extensive network of overground workers (OWGs) in Poonch and Rajouri made him a key figure in the region.
According to intelligence reports, there is a possibility of a “lone wolf” attack or a targeted strike on protected individuals by terrorists seeking revenge for Rehman’s death, potentially tied to the anniversary of ‘Jang-e-Badr,’ a significant military victory in Islamic history.
In light of the threat, an advisory has been issued to all protected persons, urging them to share their tour schedules with the security control room in advance and avoid last-minute changes. They have been instructed to only travel in terrorism-prone areas when road-opening parties are deployed and to avoid traveling after sunset. Furthermore, protected individuals have been advised to keep their movements discreet and avoid attending public events in crowded or vulnerable locations.
Security around vital institutions has also been strengthened as a precautionary measure to safeguard the region from potential threats.
Tags: Northlines, Jammu and Kashmir
