‘Discreet Hideouts, Minimum Local Support & Modern Tech’: Terror Groups Change Tack In J&K | ExclusiveReported By : Manoj GuptaNews18.comLast Updated:April 29, 2025, 15:05 IST“Earlier, the terrorists relied heavily on locals for logistics. Recent trends indicate a shift towards minimising direct engagement with civilians,” say intel sourcesresetFollow us on FlipboardFollow us on Google NewsSecurity personnel during a search operation following a terror attack at Pahalgam, in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. (File image: PTI)Terror groups have changed their strategy in Jammu and Kashmir to avoid grabbing attention, according to top intelligence sources.Terrorists with links to Pakistan’s The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22.related stories“Earlier, the terrorists relied heavily on locals for logistics, including food, shelter, and intelligence. Recent trends, however, indicate a shift towards minimising direct engagement with civilians to avoid detection by security," said sources.#BreakingNews | Army, Police & CRPF launch joint cordon and search operations in forest ranges to track down Pahalgam attack perpetrators.@TejinderSsodhi shares more details @kritsween | #Army #PahalgamTerroristAttack #CRPF #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/OLYp1pTL2f— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 29, 2025DISCREET CELLSTerrorists now operate in small, discreet cells. “Instead of relying on broad community support, terror groups use a smaller network of ideologically aligned professionals. Huge amounts of food is bought from local shops and three diversions are used before the ration reaches the hideout. These hideouts are built in such a way that even a person standing outside it cannot make out that terrorists are staying inside," said sources.Terror groups have developed advanced infrastructure to sustain operations independently.Recent operations, such as the busting of a hideout in Kupwara’s Sedori Nala forest, led to uncovering of large caches of arms, ammunition, and survival supplies. “This indicates pre-positioned resources for prolonged sustainability," said sources.“The Pir Panjal range and dense forests in Rajouri-Poonch provide natural cover for fortified hideouts. This allows militants to evade security forces and reduce reliance on urban or village-based support."#BreakingNews | India tightens trade ties with Pakistan, plans to stop imports through third countries@_pallavighosh @GrihaAtul with latest pic.twitter.com/nuItxzhV5G— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 29, 2025DRONES & DRUGSGroups such as the LeT also use drones to smuggle weapons and supplies across the Line of Control (LoC). “It helps them bypass traditional supply chains that depend on locals. To evade crackdowns on terror financing, groups have diversified their funding sources," said sources.Security agencies also report a growing link between terrorism and drug trafficking. “The terrorists use money from heroin and hashish sales to fund operations. This reduces their need for external funding from Pakistan or local donations," they said.#BreakingNews | PM Modi to chair crucial CCS meeting at 7LKM tomorrow, followed by a Cabinet meet. Key decisions expected#BreakingNews #PMModi #CCS #CabinetMeeting | @GrihaAtul pic.twitter.com/3uH38oPf1K— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 29, 2025TELEGRAM FOR COMMUNICATION, ONLINE RECRUITMENTModern terror modules prioritise operational secrecy through encrypted communication where terrorists use offline apps such as Telegram for coordination. Like in the recent 2025 Pahalgam attack, handlers in Pakistan communicated via borrowed local phones to evade surveillance, said sources.Instead of public rallies or social media announcements, recruitment is now discreet. “They target marginalised youth through covert indoctrination in madrassas or online platforms," said sources.top videosView allSwipe Left For Next VideoView allWhile the Kashmir Valley remains a focus, terror groups have expanded operations to Jammu. “Attacks in Rajouri and Poonch (2023–2025) targeted security convoys using IEDs and ambushes. They point to improved tactical planning without local informants," said sources, adding, “Groups like LeT increasingly deploy Pakistani terrorists with military-grade training. They are reducing dependence on local recruits. For example, the Pahalgam attackers included foreign operatives guided by Sajid Jutt."“The anonymity of part-time operatives makes identification difficult, as they lack prior police records. Reduced human intelligence (HUMINT) networks hinder pre-emptive operations. Moreover, despite a 2021 LoC ceasefire, Pakistan-based handlers continue to guide operations," sources said.Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!tags :news18 specialsPahalgam attackLocation : New Delhi, India, IndiaFirst Published:April 29, 2025, 15:03 ISTNews india ‘Discreet Hideouts, Minimum Local Support & Modern Tech’: Terror Groups Change Tack In J&K | ExclusiveRead More
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