Indian Army Intensifies Winter Counter-Terror Operations in J&K During 'Chillai Kalan'

Proactive Stance Amidst 'Chillai Kalan'

The Indian Army has intensified its winter counter-terrorism operations across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Kishtwar and Doda districts, during the ongoing 'Chillai Kalan' period. This 40-day harshest phase of winter, traditionally spanning from December 21 to January 31, usually brings a temporary lull in militant activities due to heavy snowfall and communication disruptions. However, this year marks a 'decisive shift' in the operational approach, with the Army adopting a proactive posture to pursue and neutralize terrorists, including those from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), who attempt to exploit the harsh conditions for concealment.

Strategic Shift in Winter Warfare

Instead of scaling down activities, the Army has expanded its operational reach into higher and snowbound areas. This strategy involves establishing temporary bases and surveillance posts deep within snow-covered terrain to maintain continuous pressure on potential terrorist hideouts. Army patrols are regularly traversing high-altitude ridgelines, valleys, and forested areas, operating in sub-zero temperatures and limited visibility to 'deny the terrorists any sanctuary'.

To meet the challenges of the snowbound environment, specially trained winter warfare sub-units have been deployed. These units are equipped for high-altitude survival, snow navigation, and avalanche response. Advanced technologies, including drones, thermal imagers, ground sensors, and surveillance radars, are being utilized to detect movement and monitor hostile activity even in extreme conditions. The Army is implementing a 'surveillance-sweep-surveillance' cycle to ensure cleared areas remain under watch.

Integrated Operations and Persistent Threat

A defining feature of this year's operations is an integrated and multi-agency approach. The Army is leading coordinated efforts involving the Civil Administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operations Group (SOG), Forest Guards, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs). This close coordination facilitates seamless intelligence sharing, efficient resource utilization, and swift execution of joint operations.

Intelligence assessments indicate the presence of around 30 to 35 Pakistani terrorists in the Jammu region. Sustained counter-terror operations and dwindling local support have reportedly forced these groups to retreat deeper into uninhabited middle and higher mountain ranges in search of temporary winter hideouts. The focus remains on eliminating residual terrorist pockets and confining militants to inhospitable high-altitude zones, thereby neutralizing their operational capability.

Targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed

The intensification of operations specifically targets groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistani militant organization designated as a 'deadliest' terror group active in Kashmir. JeM's primary motive is to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India and integrate it into Pakistan, having carried out several significant attacks since its inception in 2000. Recent incidents underscore their continued presence, including a December 2025 event in Udhampur where suspected JeM terrorists reportedly raided a civilian home for food, leading to an encounter. A top JeM commander was also neutralized in Udhampur in June 2025, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the group and its proxies, such as the 'Kashmir Tiger' and 'Kashmir Freedom Army'.