J&K: Army Battles New Challenge Along Border As Infiltrators Use 'Alpine Quest' App To Evade Detection

Indian Army faces technological warfare in Jammu and Kashmir as terrorists use advanced gadgets, encrypted communication, and the "Alpine Quest" app to evade security forces.

Army battles new challenge as infiltrators use 'Alpine Quest' app to evade detection.

Source : PTI

The Indian Army is battling a new era of technological warfare in the Jammu and Kashmir region besides cross-border terrorism and extremism. Many terrorist groups operating in the area have started using modern gadgets and software to carry out their operations. A year-long investigation by security and intelligence agencies has revealed a significant increase in terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley, Chinnaab Valley, and the Pir Panjal Range since 2022.

Besides using drones, night-vision devices, thermal equipment, and modern weapons, the infiltrating terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir are now using an app called "Alpine Quest." This app allows terrorists to operate without the assistance of Over Ground Workers (OGWs). The app functions offline, even in areas with no mobile connectivity, helping terrorists in remote and high-altitude regions.

The use of this app by terrorists was first observed by security agencies last year after analysing the mobile phones of terrorists killed in encounters in Kathua and Doda. The app, originally designed for hikers and mountaineers as an Australian navigation tool, has been modified by the Pakistani military to include data on security force camps, troop movement routes, checkpoints, and roadblocks. This modification helps terrorists evade security forces effectively.

In response to the crackdown against OGWs by the security forces, local support for terrorists has dwindled, forcing them to seek refuge in naturally occurring caves in the mountains. While moving, terrorists are avoiding OGWs out of fear that they might leak information to security agencies, which could lead to their elimination.

Furthermore, terrorists have been found using highly encrypted ultra-radio communication devices with servers based in Pakistan. This technology enables secure communication between terrorists by routing signals through repeater stations and servers, making it difficult for security forces to intercept or decode their communications in real time.

“Terrorists are using ultra-radio communication devices with highly encrypted servers in Pakistan, enabling safe communication between them across different regions like Kupwara and Anantnag through repeater stations," a security official explained.

Last year, terrorist movements were observed in the upper areas of Jammu's Kathua, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Poonch, and Rajouri districts, in addition to parts of the Kashmir Valley. Terrorists have carried out attacks on security forces, Village Defense Guards (VDGs), and pilgrims at the Shiv Khori shrine. Several terrorists were killed in anti-terror operations by security forces.

Reports suggest that terrorists are well-trained, focusing on high-value targets and using attack videos to instil fear among the public. Agencies are facing significant challenges in countering this new wave of infiltration and advanced operational strategies.

Most terrorists operating in high-altitude areas are believed to be Pakistani. A few days ago, the Kishtwar police released posters of four active Pakistani terrorists in the district, offering a reward of ₹5 lakh for each.

To strengthen their position, the police and security forces have set up checkpoints and intensified patrols in the upper regions.