Opinion | The Sentinels’ Enduring Legacy

The Indian Army’s role in Jammu and Kashmir is a saga of courage, sacrifice, and compassion. As the sentinels of Kashmir, its soldiers stand guard not only against external threats but also against the forces of division and despair. Through relentless operations, innovative strategies, and a deep-rooted commitment to the people, the Army has transformed J&K from a region of conflict to one of hope and possibility. By securing the present and building for the future, the Indian Army remains the unwavering guardian of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that the region’s beauty and potential shine brighter than ever.

Kashmir, Yet, for decades, has also been grappling with terrorism, insurgency, and cross-border challenges. At the heart of maintaining peace and stability in this strategically vital region stands the Indian Army, often referred to as the “Sentinels of Kashmir.”

Through unwavering resolve, strategic operations, and a deep commitment to the safety of its people, the Army has played an indispensable role in countering threats, fostering peace, and building trust among the local population.

Jammu and Kashmir’s strategic location, sharing borders with Pakistan and China, makes it a hotspot for geopolitical tensions. Since the late 1980s, the region has faced persistent threats from cross-border terrorism, terror, and separatist movements, fueled by Pakistan actors seeking to destabilize India. The Line of Control (LoC), a 742-km de facto boundary separating IJ&K from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, remains one of the world’s most volatile frontiers, prone to ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts by Pakistan sponsored terrorists.

The Indian Army’s role in J&K is multifaceted, encompassing counter-terrorism operations, border security, counter-infiltration measures, and humanitarian efforts. Operating in a complex environment—marked by rugged terrain, extreme weather, and a delicate socio-political landscape—the Army has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience. Its primary formations, including the Northern Command’s 15 Corps (Chinar Corps) based in Srinagar and 16 Corps (White Knight Corps) in Jammu, are tasked with securing the region against both external and internal threats.

The Indian Army’s counter-terrorism operations in J&K are a cornerstone of its security strategy. Over the years, the Army has dismantled terrorist networks, neutralized high-profile terrorists, and disrupted their supply chains, significantly weakening the ecosystem of terror. Operations are conducted with surgical precision, minimizing collateral damage while maximizing impact. The use of advanced intelligence-gathering techniques, drones, and real-time surveillance has enhanced the Army’s ability to track and eliminate threats.

In 2025 alone, the Army, in coordination with the J&K Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), neutralized over 70 terrorists in targeted operations. High-profile encounters have disrupted attempts to revive terrorism in areas previously declared terror-free. The Army’s *Operation All Out*, launched in 2017 and continued in various forms, has systematically targeted terrorist leadership, reducing their operational capabilities. By 2025, the number of active terrorists in J&K has dropped to historic lows.

The Army’s synergy with other security agencies, including the J&K Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been pivotal. Joint operations, intelligence-sharing, and community tip-offs have created a robust counter-terrorism framework.

The LoC remains a critical frontline in J&K’s security landscape. The Indian Army maintains a formidable presence along this rugged border, with troops deployed in forward posts at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, enduring sub-zero temperatures and harsh conditions. Their mission is to prevent infiltration, maintain territorial integrity, and respond to ceasefire violations. Despite the 2003 ceasefire agreement, violations by Pakistan have been frequent.

The Army’s counter-infiltration grid, comprising multi-layered surveillance, electronic sensors, and rapid-response teams, has significantly reduced cross-border incursions. In 2025, the Army foiled multiple infiltration bids in districts like Kupwara, Baramulla, and Poonch, seizing large caches of arms and explosives. The deployment of advanced technologies, such as thermal imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and smart fencing systems, has bolstered border security. The Army’s *Operation Snow Leopard* in eastern Ladakh, though distinct, also reflects its capability to adapt to emerging threats along contested borders.

The Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a specialized counter-insurgency force raised in 1990, is the Indian Army’s spearhead in J&K’s internal security operations. With over 60 battalions deployed across the region, the RR operates in both urban and rural areas, conducting cordon-and-search operations, area domination, and intelligence-driven missions. Known for their intimate knowledge of the terrain and local dynamics, RR units have been instrumental in neutralizing terrorists and restoring normalcy.

The RR’s approach combines kinetic operations with hearts-and-minds initiatives. By engaging with local communities, providing medical aid, and supporting civic projects, the RR builds trust, encouraging residents to share intelligence and resist terrorist influence. This dual strategy has been critical in areas like South Kashmir, once a hotbed of terrorism ,where stone-pelting incidents have plummeted, and public support for security forces has grown.
(The author can be reached at welfare166@gmail.com)