Pakistan Army’s SSG Commandos Involved in Infiltration, Ambushes on Forces in Kashmir

Kashmir, India: With the rise in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir recently, former Director General of Police S P Vaid has made a critical revelation. He claimed that a large number of Special Service Group (SSG) commandos from the Pakistan Army had been earmarked for infiltration. Some of these commandos have already entered Jammu and Kashmir, conducting terror attacks in the region.  

In the past three months, the Union Territory has witnessed numerous terror attacks. The latest gunfight occurred near the Line of Control in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. During this encounter, one Pakistani intruder was killed, and a substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from his possession.  

Kupwara Operation Highlights Pakistan's Direct Involvement  

Reports indicate that the killed intruder was a commando of the SSG of the Pakistan Army. The SSG is known to be the most highly-trained armed force in Pakistan. Security officials have confirmed that the entire Kupwara operation was executed by the Border Action Team (BAT) under the directive of the Pakistan Army.

According to S P Vaid, Adil Rehmani, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the SSG Commandos, has been orchestrating the infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir. Over 600 SSG commandos have been earmarked, with a significant number already infiltrating. Many are still attempting to infiltrate the region.  

SSG’s Hand Confirmed but Numbers Exaggerated  

Not only the former DGP SP Vaid but also activist Amjad Ayub Mirza have made similar claims. Mirza, an author and human rights activist based in the United Kingdom, posted these allegations on social media. He asserted that the SSG General Officer Commanding Maj. Gen. Adil Rehmani is conducting attacks in the Jammu region.  

Mirza also claimed that at least 600 commandos are in the Kupwara region and elsewhere. He mentioned that local jihadi sleeper cells are assisting the SSG movement inside Indian territory. Additionally, he noted that Lt. Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua is currently in Jammu, commanding these attacks.

However, speaking with relevant intelligence authorities, Republic could verify that some of these reports were exaggerated. “It's very difficult to infiltrate on such a large scale,” one official stated. “Both sides are active after the recent exchange of fire in Kupwara. Considering the reported numbers, it’ll be difficult for them to sustain here,” he added. Another aspect to be noted is that under the set anti-infiltration grid, any movement by unidentified individuals in border areas is reported by the locals immediately.  

Increased Foreign Terrorist Presence in the Union Territory  

The Jammu and Kashmir Police had already acknowledged the presence of around 70-80 foreign terrorists in the Union Territory. These terrorists are active in the Jammu region's Poonch, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Doda districts and northern Kashmir areas like Kupwara, Handwara, and Bandipora.

These terrorists are highly trained and equipped with advanced weaponry, including M4 and Chinese A56 assault rifles. It indicates that weapons left behind by the US military in Afghanistan have reached Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, these terrorists use non-traceable communication technology, complicating interception efforts.  

Role of Pakistan's SSG in Terrorist Activities  

The Pakistan Army's Special Service Group (SSG), also known as the "Maroon Berets," is a special operations force responsible for various high-stakes missions. These missions include foreign internal defence, reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare. The SSG operates under the Pakistan Army's Strategic Forces Command, with many personnel transitioning to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) upon retirement.

The infiltration of SSG commandos into Jammu and Kashmir signifies a severe escalation in regional security dynamics. Indian security forces now face the dual challenge of addressing this advanced threat while safeguarding civilians and maintaining stability in the Union Territory. A coordinated response from the Indian Army and security agencies is imperative to counter the infiltration and activities of SSG commandos. Ensuring regional security and stability requires strategic measures to neutralize the threat. The infiltration of SSG commandos marks a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, necessitating a decisive response from Indian security forces.