Over 800 Terrorists at 70+ PoJK Launch Pads Await Infiltration: Intel Report

JAMMU, Apr 17: Intelligence reports indicate a sharp surge in the presence of terrorists at launch pads along the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), with estimates suggesting over 800 terrorists currently stationed across 70 to 72 reactivated sites.

Some inputs place the number even higher, between 1,000 and 1,500 infiltrators, marking a steep rise from late 2025 when only 100 to 120 terrorists were reported across six to seven launch pads.

The report names Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) as the primary groups involved, alleging continued support from Pakistan’s ISI. A March 2026 report by the US Congressional Research Service also identified Pakistan as a persistent hub for terror groups targeting India.

The spike follows India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May 2025, in which nine terror bases in Pakistan and PoJK were struck after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. While Pakistan initially dismantled and relocated these facilities to interior areas such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reactivation began by late 2025 and has now intensified significantly.

According to the report, around 72 launch pads have been shifted to “depth areas” away from the LoC and International Border (IB) to reduce vulnerability to Indian surveillance, artillery, and drone strikes. Of these, 12 are located in Sialkot and Zafarwal near the IB in Punjab, while the rest are spread across PoJK and other remote regions.

Intelligence inputs suggest Pakistan’s ISI and military are planning coordinated, large-scale infiltration attempts using these launch pads. Groups of 10 to 15 terrorists are expected to be sent simultaneously from multiple points along the LoC and IB to overwhelm Indian security forces.

The strategy marks a shift from sporadic infiltration attempts to synchronized operations aimed at ensuring at least some militants succeed. The focus has also moved towards deploying highly trained foreign terrorists linked to LeT and JeM instead of relying on weakened local networks.

Sources said the surge is partly driven by pressure on the ISI from terror outfits following setbacks during Operation Sindoor, as well as attempts to exploit global instability, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Despite the increased activity, several infiltration attempts have been foiled in recent months, including in Uri, Nowshera, Rajouri in March, and Sunderbani in February.

In response, intelligence agencies have directed the Indian Army, BSF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police to remain on “ultra-high alert” and strengthen the multi-layered security grid. Measures include enhanced drone surveillance, sensors, thermal imaging, intensified patrolling, and deployment of Quick Reaction Teams.

Officials said Pakistan had earlier shifted launch pads deeper into its territory after forward bases were destroyed in Operation Sindoor, temporarily reducing infiltration pressure. However, reconstruction and reactivation efforts since late 2025 have led to the current surge.

Reports also indicate that terrorists are being trained in Pakistani Army bunkers and forested areas of PoJK to evade detection while maintaining operational readiness.

Security forces have increased focus on long-range surveillance, counter-drone capabilities, and intelligence gathering in interior regions. The Army and BSF said they are maintaining strict vigil along the LoC and IB, as well as in Punjab, and are prepared to respond decisively to any infiltration attempts. (Agencies)