Jammu/Srinagar, Oct 18: The Indian Army has been placed on heightened alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir amid escalating tensions in Pakistan and a “war-like” situation unfolding along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, officials said on Saturday.
Defence sources said intelligence inputs over the past few days have indicated unusual troop activity across the border, prompting the Army to reinforce forward positions, enhance surveillance, and place rapid reaction units on standby.
Heightened Vigil Along Key Sectors
According to officials, additional infantry and surveillance assets have been deployed in sensitive sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla and Poonch. Night patrolling and aerial reconnaissance have been intensified to detect any infiltration attempts or suspicious cross-border movements.
Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been positioned to respond swiftly to any provocation, while coordination with the Indian Air Force has been strengthened to ensure close air support if required.
A senior Army officer, requesting anonymity, said:
“We do not anticipate an immediate large-scale intrusion, but in the current regional scenario, readiness is critical. Any misadventure will be dealt with decisively.”
Regional Context and Strategic Concerns
The alert follows heightened hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent days, including cross-border exchanges and artillery shelling that have raised fears of regional instability.
While India is not directly involved, security agencies in New Delhi are closely monitoring developments amid concerns that militant groups could exploit the situation or attempt to infiltrate across the LoC under the cover of turmoil in the region.
Recent LoC Incidents
The latest alert comes days after Indian troops foiled an infiltration attempt in the Kupwara sector, killing two militants. In recent months, there have been multiple ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces in Baramulla and Kupwara, prompting Indian troops to respond in a “proportionate” manner.
These incidents have reinforced the Army’s assessment that the LoC remains volatile and demands continuous vigilance.
Diplomatic and Intelligence Coordination
Government sources said India’s diplomatic and intelligence channels are actively tracking the situation in Islamabad and Kabul. Coordination between the Army, the Intelligence Bureau, RAW, and the Ministry of Home Affairs has been stepped up to pre-empt any cross-border threat or militant regrouping in the region.
Civilian Precautions and Preparedness
Although no official relocation advisory has been issued, local administrations in border districts have been asked to stay alert. Civil defence shelters and bunkers in forward villages are being readied as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Strategic Outlook
Security experts view the Army’s heightened alert as a precautionary measure to maintain operational readiness amid regional flux. While the immediate conflict lies west of India’s borders, the potential for militant spillover or miscalculation underscores the need for sustained vigilance.
At present, the situation along the LoC remains tense but under control — an uneasy calm amid a rapidly changing regional security environment.
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