New Delhi, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A series of recent security incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has renewed concerns over a possible resurgence of terrorism, with security assessments pointing to an alleged strategy by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to strengthen its local network and reduce reliance on infiltrators from across the border.
On Wednesday, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured when terrorists attacked a security checkpoint at Akhran near Mira Bazar in Kulgam district. In a separate incident, the bullet-riddled bodies of two missing Special Police Officers (SPOs) were recovered in Kishtwar. Investigators are examining a possible terror angle, particularly after the officers’ service weapons were found missing.
The latest incidents follow a period of relative calm after earlier attacks in the Union Territory. In July, a police head constable, Aashiq Hussain Qureshi, was killed when terrorists targeted a police party deployed for the Amarnath Yatra. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, had also reportedly resumed targeting migrant workers and issuing threats to Kashmiri Pandits.
Dr Abhinav Pandya, founder of Udaipur-based security and geopolitical think tank Usanas Foundation, said the incidents indicated that the ISI continued to have operational assets in Jammu and Kashmir.
He described the recent attacks as limited operations intended to demonstrate capability and maintain a presence rather than cause large-scale casualties. According to him, the ISI has increasingly relied on proxies such as the TRF, particularly since the abrogation of Article 370.
Pandya said the ISI was mobilising resources at the grassroots level and suggested that the current pattern of smaller attacks could be part of preparations for a larger strike. An official also cautioned against dismissing such incidents, saying limited attacks could give handlers time to build local networks and resources.
According to the official, Pakistan has faced difficulties in carrying out infiltration attempts following the abrogation of Article 370 and Operation Sindoor. The assessment is that the ISI is seeking to develop a stronger local force in Jammu and Kashmir, reducing the need to send operatives across the border and making it harder to establish a direct link to Pakistan.
Investigators probing the Kulgam attack are examining the suspected role of local TRF commanders. Security agencies are looking for Mohammad Lateef Bhat, a 22-year-old resident of Kulgam, along with Bilal Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Umar Mir and Abid Qayoom, all residents of Baramulla.
Officials believe the search for these suspects points to an effort to use local operatives for attacks in the Valley. They allege that the individuals have been tasked with carrying out smaller strikes while the network expands its local capabilities.
Pandya stressed that Indian security agencies needed to strengthen human intelligence (HUMINT) alongside technical intelligence (TECHINT) to counter the evolving threat. He said greater coordination between the two was essential as the ISI appeared to be placing increased emphasis on locally based operatives.
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