Over the decades, terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have continuously upgraded their weapons. In the late 1980s, they started with basic AK-47 rifles, pistols, and grenades, sourced from Soviet, Chinese, and Pakistani suppliers. By the 1990s, they had shifted to using IEDs, sniper rifles, and RPGs, leading to more dangerous encounters. The 2000s saw them utilizing advanced IEDs, night-vision devices, and small arms, making their operations more difficult. The trend continued thereafter. Now some of them have US leftovers from Afganistan. Their communication tools have also evolved, from simple walkie-talkies in the 1980s to highly encrypted satellite phones in the 2020s. This advancement has made it harder for security forces to track them. For the people living in Jammu and Kashmir, these changes mean increased danger and uncertainty. The presence of advanced weaponry and secure communication among terrorists heightens the sense of insecurity, making everyday life more precarious. Each new piece of technology in the hands of terrorists translates to new challenges for security forces.
We delve into the evolution of weaponry recovered in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama and Jammu over several decades. By analyzing data from the late 1980s to current trends, the article provides insights into the changing nature of armed conflict and the logistical networks that support it.
Historical Context
Late 1980s
Imagine the late 1980s in the rugged terrains of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Poonch. The air was thick with tension as AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, and pistols, primarily from Soviet, Chinese, and Pakistani sources, were recovered in significant numbers. Over 5000 AK-47 rifles and 2000 pistols were seized, hinting at a well-established supply line through Pakistan via the Line of Control (LOC) and, occasionally, Afghanistan. These weapons symbolized a new era of conflict, where global superpowers' influences were palpably felt in these remote regions.
1990s
The 1990s brought a grim innovation to the conflict zones: Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), sniper rifles, and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). As local manufacturing met imports from the Soviet Union, China, and Pakistan, over 1000 IEDs, sniper rifles, and 200 RPGs were recovered. The battlefront expanded to Srinagar, the heart of Kashmir, while supply routes remained consistent, threading through Pakistan and Afghanistan.
2000s-2020
As the new millennium dawned, the conflict saw a technological leap. Advanced IEDs, night-vision devices, and more sophisticated small arms flooded the conflict zones. Over 1500 IEDs, 300 night-vision devices, and 2500 small arms were seized, with new hotspots like Anantnag joining the fray. The supply routes evolved, now including the LOC and Northern Areas, reflecting the increasing complexity of the terrorism.
2020 Onwards
2020s onwards have introduced an era of drones, anti-drone technology, sophisticated assault rifles, and high-powered explosives. These were sourced from China, Pakistan, and Western countries. Pulwama emerged as a favored destination.
In a recent development, intelligence reports indicate that advanced small arms left behind by the US Army in Afghanistan after their 2021 withdrawal are being funneled into Jammu and Kashmir through Pakistan. Lately, terrorists were found using American-made M4 carbine assault rifles during a terror attack at Badnoti, Machedi in Billawar, district Kathua.
Investigations also suggested that the bullets used in the Poonch attack were from Afghanistan, left behind by US forces post-withdrawal.
Analyzing the Cache...
Weapon Types
The evolution of weaponry in Jammu and Kashmir tells a story of increasing sophistication and lethality. From basic small arms in the 1980s to advanced drones and anti-drone technologies in the 2020s, each decade has brought new challenges and threats.
Origins and Supply Routes
Initially, weapons predominantly came from Soviet, Chinese, and Pakistani sources. Over time, local manufacturing grew, and Western countries also emerged as suppliers. Supply routes consistently involved Pakistan via the LOC, with additional paths through Afghanistan.
Implications
Security and Counter-Terrorism
Understanding the evolution of weaponry and supply routes is crucial. The increasing sophistication of weapons requires advanced detection at source and neutralization efforts.
Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
As new areas become targets of hostilities, there is an urgent need to ramp up Human Intelligence (HUMINT) efforts. Freshly targeted regions require more robust and localized intelligence gathering to stay ahead of evolving threats. Increased HUMINT capabilities will help in identifying emerging patterns, and gaining insights into the operational tactics of terrorists.
Policy, Diplomacy, and Military
International cooperation in Af-Pak region is vital to curb the proliferation of advanced weaponry even if it is small arms. Diplomatic efforts should focus on tightening controls over supply routes and enhancing cross-border cooperation. Intelligence reports indicate that advanced weaponry left behind by the US Army in Afghanistan after their 2021 withdrawal is being funneled into Jammu and Kashmir through Pakistan.
When the U.S. forces left Afghanistan in 2021, a variety of small arms and equipment were left behind or seized. Here’s a breakdown of what could end up in Jammu and Kashmir:-
Small Arms
M4 Carbine - A standard-issue rifle for U.S. troops, it’s known for its versatility and is commonly used in various conflicts.
M16 Rifle - Another common rifle, which might have been left behind or passed on.
M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) - A light machine gun used to provide suppressive fire.
M240 Machine Gun - A general-purpose machine gun, used for sustained fire.
SIG P320 - The standard issue sidearm for U.S. troops, known for its modularity.
Ammunition
Rifle Ammunition - For weapons like the M4 Carbine and M16 Rifle, including 5.56x45mm NATO rounds.
Machine Gun Ammunition - For weapons such as the M249 SAW and M240, including 7.62x51mm NATO rounds.
Pistol Ammunition - For sidearms like the SIG P320, typically 9x19mm Parabellum rounds.
Grenades - Including hand grenades and grenade launcher rounds.
Equipment
Night Vision Devices - Including goggles and scopes, which can be highly valuable in low-light conditions.
Body Armor - Such as ballistic vests and helmets, used for personal protection.
Communications Gear - Radios and other devices used for secure communication.
These items could be diverted through various means, such as Black Markets in Af- Pak region - where they might be sold or traded, Conflict Zones within Pak- where they might be captured or acquired through local conflicts and Infiltration Routes.
Modernizing India's military capabilities with battle worthy weapons and equipment will provide a strategic advantage over terrorists and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
To sum up...
Over the decades, terrorists infiltrating Jammu and Kashmir have progressively upgraded their arsenal to adapt to evolving combat scenarios and technological advancements.
In the late 1980s, these terrorists were armed with AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, and pistols, sourced predominantly from Chinese, and Pakistani manufacturers. These weapons, numbering over 5000 AK-47s, 2000 pistols, and 3000 grenades, were strategically recovered from regions like Kupwara, Baramulla, and Poonch. The 1990s saw a shift towards a more diverse and sophisticated arsenal, including over 1000 locally made and imported Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 500 sniper rifles, and 200 RPGs. This period marked the beginning of more lethal engagements, particularly in areas like Srinagar. By the 2000s, the inclusion of advanced IEDs, night-vision devices, and small arms—totaling 1500 IEDs, 300 night-vision devices, and 2500 small arms—reflected a significant upgrade, primarily with equipment from Chinese and Pakistani sources. 2010s onwards, signifying a leap towards more automated engagement pattern.
Similarly, the evolution of communication devices used by these terrorists tells a story of increasing sophistication and adaptability. In the late 1980s, basic walkie-talkies and radio sets were the norm, sourced from Chinese, and Pakistani suppliers. These devices, though rudimentary, were crucial for coordinating the insurgent operations of the time. Progressed into the 1990s, the introduction of more advanced radio sets and some satellite phones enabled better coordination and longer-range communication. This advancement was critical for executing complex operations in regions like Kupwara and Baramulla. The 2000s marked a significant leap with the widespread use of satellite phones and encrypted communication devices from Chinese and Pakistani manufacturers. These tools allowed terrorists to communicate securely and avoid detection during their operations in Anantnag and beyond. By the 2010s, encrypted satellite communication and advanced radios became standard, sourced from Chinese and Western suppliers, enabling precise coordination and strategic planning. The 2020s have seen the deployment of highly encrypted communication devices and advanced satellite phones, ensuring secure, and reliable communication channels, even in the most challenging environments.
This technological progression in communication has been as crucial as their weaponry, enhancing the overall operational effectiveness of these groups. Each upgrade in their arsenal and communication tools represents a new challenge for security agencies, requiring constant adaptation and innovative countermeasures. The human cost is immense, with each technological leap by these groups potentially leading to more coordinated attacks.
The rations have also seen an evolution, mirroring the changing nature of their operations. In the late 1980s, these terrorists often relied on simple, locally sourced sustenance—basic food supplies like dry fruits and energy bars. These provisions, although modest, were vital for survival in the harsh and rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir.
As time progressed into the 1990s and 2000s, the rations became better, reflecting a higher level of organization and external support. Terrorists began to carry improved ration packs, including ready-to-eat meals that provided better nutrition and convenience. These changes indicated a shift towards more sustained operations, where having a reliable and nutritious food supply became crucial for maintaining stamina and effectiveness over longer periods. By the 2010s and into the 2020s, the rations included advanced MRE packs and high-energy nutritional supplements, showing the influence of modern military logistics. The rations were designed to offer maximum nutrition and energy, enabling terrorists to endure prolonged engagements without needing frequent resupply.
This evolution in rations tells us the increasing complexity and professionalization of terrorist operations, as well as the growing external support they received over the years.
Enhanced intelligence sharing mechanism, international cooperation in Af-Pak region, and advanced technological solutions are crucial to mitigating the threats posed by the proliferation of sophisticated weaponry in the affected areas.
References:
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