Jammu and Kashmir: Why drones are a serious weapon in the hands of Pakistan based terror groups

In the hands of terror outfits operating from Pakistan side of the border, drones can wreak havoc in Jammu and Kashmir. The drones, in many cases, can serve as a substitute for infiltration of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Drones can enter into a territory without being noticed, do the damage and come back, even before technology intervenes its flight.

Recently, Khalistani terror groups have reportedly used Chinese commercial drones to make weapons available to their operators in Punjab who plan to use the weapons to spread unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.

Easy to possess, easy to hide
Recently, Saudi Arabia's two oil facilities were attacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Though there was sensitive technology available to deal with missile attacks or fighter jets attacks but drone technology is different. Drones, especially commercial drones, are easily available and carry quite a substantial load. While flying low, drones are mostly not detected by the conventional air defence systems like the Radar system. Drones can enter into a territory without being noticed, do the damage and come back, even before technology intervenes its flight.

A big advantage for Pakistan's ISI
After abrogations of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, security forces are on high alert. Pakistan's ISI is finding it hard to infiltrate terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir. In this scenario, providing weapons to the terrorists already present in Jammu and Kashmir could be handled with the help of drones.

Minimum risk, big impact

Since no human being is required to be sent with a drone, there is practically no risk involved. Drones can come handly to carry out targeted blasts as witnessed in Saudi Arabia. Since no boots on land are required, terror outfits can pose a serious danger once they master the art of drone attacks.

Need to evolve
Defence establishments need to take immediate action and embrace the technology to fight future drone attacks and also track drone movements once inside Indian territory.
Desperate terror outfits could resort to desperate measures and India should be prepared to avert any such attack.