Operation Sarvashakti, Objectives, Strategy, Launch Date

Operation Sarvashakti is a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Indian Army in 2024 in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly around the Pir Panjal mountain range. It was started after a rise in terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians in the forested and hilly parts of the region.

Operation Sarvashakti Objective

Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the region around the Pir Panjal mountain range, has dense forests, high mountains, and caves, which help militants hide and carry out guerrilla attacks. The main aim of Operation Sarvashakti is to find and eliminate terrorist groups, stop infiltration from across the border, and restore peace in the region.

Operation Sarvashakti Strategy

The strategy of Operation Sarvashakti is inspired by Operation Sarpvinash (2003), which was a major anti-terror operation in the same region. It includes increased troop presence, coordinated search operations, and the use of both human intelligence and modern surveillance. Operation Sarvashakti is primarily conducted by the Indian army along with Jammu & Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces(CRPF), Intelligence agencies and Special Operations Groups. 

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About Pir Panjal 

• The Pir Panjal Range is the largest range of the Lesser Himalayas in the Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh region.
• It is a major sub-range of the Lesser (Middle) Himalayas, lying south of the Greater Himalayas.
• It stretches from the Jhelum River in the west to the Beas River in the east, running roughly northwest to southeast.
• It forms a natural barrier between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, isolating the valley from the plains.
• The highest peak is Indrasan Peak (6,221 m) located near the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh.
• Important Passes: Banihal Pass (connects Jammu with Srinagar), Pir Panjal Pass (Connects the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley) 
• The Jawahar Tunnel (Banihal Tunnel) passes through the range and provides all-weather road connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.

Climatic Significance: Pir Panjal range blocks the cold winds from Central Asia, giving the Kashmir Valley a relatively milder climate compared to Ladakh.