Drone threat triggers massive intelligence reset in J&K, Northeast

New Delhi:  A major overhaul of the intelligence-gathering mechanism is on the cards, with a unified structure being put in place for Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeastern states. The move comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of drones by terror operatives and their handlers to conduct reconnaissance missions in both regions.

National security planners have recommended a balanced blend of technological surveillance and human intelligence to maintain an edge over terror groups operating in these regions. Drawing lessons from the successful counter-insurgency campaign against Maoists, they have decided to adopt similar strategies in tackling terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the Northeastern states.

An Intelligence Bureau official explained that when it came to the battle against Maoists, there were multiple factors that were in play.

“The human intelligence was very strong, and the locals were completely on board. Further, technical intelligence remained solid. This ensured that real-time inputs gathered on the ground could be swiftly analysed, verified, and disseminated to security forces, enabling prompt action and contributing significantly to the success of operations,” the official said.

The official said that in the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, terror groups have been quickly evolving their strategy. The terror groups reportedly are using a combination of both human and technical surveillance to mark territory. The use of high-quality drones is also a major concern for the security agencies. Many of these drones have been able to penetrate Indian territory and gather intelligence.

In Jammu and Kashmir, officials say that terror groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have increasingly turned to drones to smuggle arms and ammunition across the border after traditional infiltration routes came under tighter surveillance and security measures.

Further, officials say that elements backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are attempting to cultivate local contacts in both regions to gather information about security deployments and operational activities. Intelligence agencies have, in recent months, flagged the growing use of drones and the relative decline in actionable human intelligence as key challenges in counter-terror operations.

Another official said that there is no question of not relying on human intelligence. India may have advanced technologically, and that was visible when such a precision strike was carried out during Operation Sindoor. However, when it comes to counter-terror operations, ground-level inputs remain critical, making human intelligence an indispensable component of the security apparatus.

Officials, while speaking about the anti-Maoist strategy, also point towards the immense development that went into Maoist-affected zones. This is also key in the battle against terror in J&K and in the Northeastern states, officials point out. The re-strategising of intelligence gathering comes at a time when the Intelligence Bureau warns of a possible increase in terror activities.

While J&K remains a concern, courtesy of Pakistan, the Northeastern states remain vulnerable to insurgent activity, officials say. Northeast, in fact, is tricky, and anti-India elements are planning terror attacks at important locations, while also trying to ensure there is widespread unrest.

To counter these challenges, security agencies are focusing on strengthening engagement with local communities and ensuring their active cooperation. Officials said efforts are being made to prevent anti-India elements from exploiting any gaps that could be used to influence or recruit locals into their networks.

Officials also say that keeping the locals on board is important in terms of human Intelligence. This can be achieved to its fullest only if there is no mistrust between the locals and the security forces. “Development is also very crucial to ensure that the locals have nothing to complain about and they remain happy,” the official pointed out.

The official also said that the coming days would be crucial and this massive reset would take place as Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and anti-India elements in the Northeast intensify their efforts and attempt to carry out more attacks in these regions.