J&K attack likely to expand counterterror role of forces

The April 22 terror strike near Pahalgam signals an imminent change in counter-terror dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir as the security forces are now likely to find themselves overstretched, with their role possibly no longer confined to stopping terrorist infiltrators coming from Pakistan and other duties in the hinterland, but also working out a strategy to deal with attacks on vulnerable tourist destinations in the union territory, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday.

- Rahul Singh

SRINAGAR:

"The brazen Pakistan-backed attack marks the opening of a new front. The security forces will now have a lot on their plate," said a senior official, who asked not to be named.

His comments come on the eve of army chief General Upendra Dwivedi's visit to Kashmir for a security review and giving directions to his force in light of the attack on tourists at Baisaran near Pahalgam.

It was the worst attack on civilians in the restive region in nearly two decades and challenged the narrative of normalcy in Kashmir.