Terrorists Disguised In Uniforms Like Forces Spark Concern In J&K After Pahalgam Horror
Officials fear the use of lookalike uniforms could lead to deadly confusion, especially during fast-moving operations or when civilians need to distinguish friend from foe
A worrying trend is emerging in Jammu and Kashmir where, in at least three incidents, terrorists disguised themselves in uniforms like the forces, complicating efforts by both civilians and actual security personnel to identify threats.
The most devastating of these attacks occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, where heavily armed terrorists from The Resistance Front opened fire indiscriminately on tourists in Baisaran Valley. The attackers, wearing uniforms resembling those of Indian forces, killed 26 people, including a naval officer and a Nepali national, and injured several others in what is now considered the deadliest terror strike in India since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
In a swift and unprecedented response, Indian forces launched strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), marking one of the most aggressive military actions since the Balakot air strikes in 2019.
Investigators believe that some of the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack may still be hiding in South Kashmir.
While the search for Pahalgam's perpetrators is on, in a recent encounter in Tral, three Jaish-e-Mohammad operatives—Asif Ahmad Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani, and Yawar Ahmad Bhat—were killed in an intense gunfight. Notably, all three were also found dressed in clothes that resembled uniforms of Indian forces. Their uniforms, especially a jacket, and equipment are now being scrutinised.
In another incident when India was dealing with Pakistan's unprovoked escalation to Operation Sindoor on May 10, an alert sentry at the high-security Nagrota Military Station in Jammu foiled a suspected infiltration attempt. The intruder, possibly dressed in military fatigues, attempted to breach the perimeter but was repelled in a brief exchange of fire. The sentry sustained minor injuries, and a search operation was launched to track the suspect. The Army's White Knight Corps stated that heightened alertness and prompt action prevented a potential disaster.
The use of lookalike uniforms by terrorists has now become a major security concern. Officials fear it could lead to deadly confusion, especially during fast-moving operations or when civilians need to distinguish friend from foe.
'This tactic is not only dangerous but deeply deceptive," said a senior intelligence officer. 'It's a direct attempt to erode the trust between civilians and uniformed forces."
Officials say the matter was also discussed in a high-level meeting in Delhi with various top officials of India's security grid. Security agencies are now reviewing standard operating procedures, particularly at checkpoints and tourist areas, to counter this growing challenge.
First Published:
May 20, 2025, 09:07 IST
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