Pakistani militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir are reportedly using the offline version of the Alpine Quest App, allegedly provided by the Pakistan Army, to function independently of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in remote areas of the Union Territory.
The app, initially designed as an Australian navigation tool for trekkers, has reportedly been modified to include data on security forces, checkpoints, and other critical details. This marks the first instance of such technology being employed by militants in J&K.
Declining ground support for militants, following a series of crackdowns by security forces, has forced them to rely on the app to navigate the mountainous terrain.
Reports reveal that while OGWs are now mainly used for delivering food, militants have been sheltering in natural caves and avoiding direct interaction with OGWs due to fears of compromised information.
Militants reportedly ask OGWs to leave supplies at designated spots, retrieving them only after ensuring no one is present to ascertain their exact locations.
They also utilise highly encrypted Ultraset communication devices, allegedly provided by their handlers in Pakistan. These devices, used by the Pakistani Army, enable secure communication.
Last year, militant movements were observed in upper reaches of Kathua, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Poonch, and Rajouri districts in Jammu, as well as various parts of the Kashmir valley. Most militants active in these areas are Pakistanis.
Recently, Kishtwar police issued posters of four Pakistani militants, announcing a reward of ₹5 lakh for information leading to their capture.