Parwinder Sandhu
New Delhi, January 12 (.) Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said several terror camps across the border in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remain active, even as security forces have sharply weakened the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, reducing local recruitment to near zero and eliminating 31 terrorists, most of them of Pakistani origin, during 2025.
Addressing the media during the annual press conference held here today, the Chief of Army Staff said that nearly eight camps were still active to the army’s knowledge, with two located across the International Border and six positioned along the Line of Control.
“We believe there is still some presence or training activity in these camps… As far as our eyes and ears are concerned, since Operation Sindoor is underway, they will remain fully alert. Under this, we have already put in place whatever actions are required from our side,” he said.
Speaking about the terrorists neutralised in 2025, the Army chief said that 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65 per cent were Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack neutralised in Operation Mahadev. “Active local terrorists are now in single digits. Terrorist recruitment is almost non-existent, with only two in 2025. Clear indicators of positive change in J&K include robust development activity, revival of tourism, and the peaceful Sri Amarnath Yatra, which saw more than four lakh pilgrims, exceeding the five-year average. The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape,” he said.
Speaking about the North East Region, the army chief said that neutral, transparent and decisive actions by security forces, supported by proactive government initiatives, have led to a marked improvement in the situation, particularly in Manipur during 2025.
“Peaceful conduct of the Durand Cup, resumption of cultural festivals like Shirui Lily and Sangai and renewal of Suspension of Operations (SOO) with Kuki insurgent groups (Sep 2025) have been key markers of stability. In response to turbulence in Myanmar, a comprehensive multi-agency security grid comprising Assam Rifles, Army and MHA is working towards insulating the North East from spillover effects, he added.
General Dwivedi also spoke about force restructuring with focus on reviewing organisational structures to enhance multi-domain combat potency and achieve an optimal “teeth-to-tail” balance.
“We have adopted a spiral development approach centred on organisation rather than equipment alone. We have re-oriented and created several new structures: Rudra Brigades (.) for high-tempo multi-domain ops and Bhairav Battalions for agility and disruptive effect. Similarly, Shaktibaan Regiments and Divyastra Batteries of artillery will use UAS/C-UAS for extended reach and real-time targeting. Ashni Platoons and other organisations on the design board will enhance precision, surveillance and strike options at the tactical level,” he said.
. PWS PRP