NIA Finds Sophisticated Gear With Pahalgam Terrorists
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said that the terrorists who attacked Pahalgam were well trained. They employed encrypted gear. Intelligence sources informed that a Chinese satellite phone was utilized during the attack.
Chinese Apps and Military-Grade Communications
After the 2020 Galwan clash, India banned a few Chinese messaging apps. But now, based on the NIA, banned apps were used by Pahalgam attackers through handlers in Pakistan. Such apps have end-to-end encryption and other features through which decryption of messages is very difficult.
Experts state Pakistani terrorists have shifted to military-grade communication devices. Such devices offer end-to-end encryption. Messages can be accessed by the sender and receiver alone. Quantum-resistant algorithms secure them further. Steganography is also used by terrorists, in which messages are hidden in videos and images.
Burst Transmitters and Frequency Shifts
Burst transmitters are used by terrorist groups to send messages that take milliseconds. The method makes interception of messages difficult. They also continuously change communication frequencies to avoid jamming.
Terrorists are avoiding domestic networks using Iridium and satellite phones. Although ISIS used Telegram for communications, Al-Qaeda had used steganography on adult websites before being tracked down and destroyed by the FBI in 2000.
New Terrorist Tactics in Kashmir: Former DGP Vaid's Insights
Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP, Sheshpal Vaid, highlighted the evolving terrorist tactics. Speaking to a Hindi media outlet, he noted that terrorist operations have changed significantly. Earlier, locals supported militants. Now, trained SSG commandos and ex-Pakistan Army personnel are involved.
These terrorists receive intense training on mountain and jungle warfare. They travel long kilometers to gather supplies. To ensure secrecy, they confiscate villagers' phones and sever all forms of communication after their missions.
Advanced Movement Techniques and Weapons
Terrorists now possess M4 rifles, which the US left behind in Afghanistan. They come equipped with telescopic sites and night vision gadgets for long-distance targeting. Pakistan is said to provide detailed instructions having 20–25 key points that have to be followed by terrorists.
Wherever they go to settle, they initially think in terms of escape routes. They have hopes to survive to execute future actions. Interaction with civilians is minimal. Terrorists usually reside in jungles or mountainous areas, sometimes temporarily seeking food from locals before disappearing.
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