Militants in J&K Use Modified Alpine Quest App for Advanced Operations, Say Intelligence Sources
Srinagar, Jan 23, KNT: Intelligence sources have revealed that the Pakistan Army is actively facilitating the infiltration of militants into India, with at least 50 highly trained Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives currently positioned in the Kashmir Valley. These militants are strategically using elevated terrains for protection and to launch attacks on Indian security forces.
Media reports suggest that for the first time, these militants are operating without the Overground Workers (OGW) network, as the ISI fears OGWs may leak information, making their cadres vulnerable.
To aid their operations, the ISI has equipped the militants with the Alpine Quest app in its offline version. Originally an Australian navigation tool for trekkers, the app has been modified to include data on Indian security forces, including police movements, CRPF camps, and barricades.
Reports further suggest that these militants remain in mid-ridge areas of the Valley, avoiding lower altitudes due to continued losses. Reaching their positions is challenging, requiring hours of trekking from the nearest villages.
Additionally, the militants are using highly encrypted Ultra radio communication devices with servers in Pakistan. This technology enables secure communication between operatives in different regions, such as Kupwara and Anantnag, by routing signals through repeater stations and servers. The encryption makes it difficult for Indian agencies to intercept or decode their communications in real time.
The operatives are reportedly well-trained, focusing on high-value targets and using attack videos to instill fear within people.
Reports say that agencies are facing significant challenges in countering this new wave of infiltration and advanced operational tactics. [KNT]
