Jammu, Mar 18 – Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have heightened their vigilance following a series of terror attacks in Pakistan, including the assassination of a top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander. In response, all protected persons, including political figures, have been strictly advised to adhere to security protocols to ensure their safety, officials from the security establishment confirmed on Tuesday.
The security forces have been instructed to maintain an extraordinary level of vigilance, intensifying area domination exercises, patrolling, and search operations to neutralize any potential threats. Officials emphasized that anti-national elements may attempt to carry out retaliatory attacks, particularly targeting soft spots, in the wake of recent events across the border.
The heightened alert follows multiple terror incidents in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, including a dramatic train hijacking and the assassination of Zia-ur-Rehman, alias Nadeem, alias Abu Qatal, alias Qatal Sindhi. A high-ranking commander of LeT, Rehman was wanted by Indian security agencies for orchestrating numerous attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. His involvement included the brutal massacre of seven civilians in Rajouri in January 2023 and the tragic killing of nine Hindu pilgrims in Reasi in June 2024.
Rehman was gunned down along with his bodyguard in an armed attack by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Punjab province near Jhelum on Saturday evening. Intelligence reports indicate that he had been a key operative of LeT since the early 2000s, having infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir before exfiltrating back to Pakistan in 2005. He maintained an extensive network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in Rajouri and Poonch, which facilitated terror activities in the region.
Security agencies have cited intelligence inputs suggesting that terrorist organizations may attempt revenge attacks in response to Rehman’s killing. There is also speculation that extremists could use the upcoming anniversary of the historic ‘Jang-e-Badr’—a pivotal battle in Islamic history—as a symbolic date to orchestrate violence, possibly in the form of lone-wolf or targeted attacks against high-profile individuals.
In light of these threats, all protected persons in Jammu and Kashmir have been issued stringent security advisories. They have been directed to strictly follow tour protocols, ensuring their travel itineraries are submitted in advance to the security control room or the district Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for necessary security arrangements. They have been asked to avoid last-minute modifications to their travel plans, particularly in terrorism-prone regions unless security clearance has been obtained. Movements through vulnerable areas should be restricted to times when security forces have deployed road-opening parties to ensure safe passage. Political figures and other high-risk individuals are advised to avoid large public gatherings, particularly in crowded or unsecured locations unless a comprehensive security cover is in place. Protectees have been instructed to maintain confidentiality regarding their movements, always travel with their designated security personnel, and ensure that any changes to their security detail are only made after assigning a substitute.
Protectees have been further advised to exercise caution in personal interactions and avoid receiving guests without verifying their identity. Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to security personnel. Travel during nighttime or in high-risk areas has been strongly discouraged unless there is a significant security presence.
Along with these personal security measures, authorities have also strengthened security around key government institutions, law enforcement offices, and other critical infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir to deter potential attacks on high-value targets.
Security agencies remain on high alert, with intelligence networks actively monitoring developments across the border. The government has reassured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure peace and stability in the region.