From caves to concrete bunkers: How militants adapt hideouts in Jammu and Kashmir's forest belt

📌 Summary:

• Security forces blew up an underground concrete bunker in the dense Dorimal forests of Rajouri (J&K) — signalling a tactical shift by militants from kucha (temporary) hideouts to pucca underground bunkers
• It is the first time such a meticulously built concrete underground bunker has been found in the UT; more are suspected between NH 144A and the Rajouri–Buffliaz road
• Two weeks earlier, a militant hideout in the same forests yielded food, clothing and bags; the counterinsurgency "Operation Sheruwali" is ongoing
• The shift to permanent structures lets militants stay hidden longer and reduces dependence on locals for shelter in harsh weather
• The cave-to-bunker trend was first noticed last year in Kulgam (Valley); this year a bunker was found at ~12,000 ft in Kishtwar's Chatru (room for 4 militants, months of rations)
• Since May 22, CRPF, J&K Police and forces have been searching; militants have fled deeper into the forests

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Internal Security — J&K militancy, cross-border insurgency, counterinsurgency tactics, over-ground-worker networks and terrain-specific challenges

🔑 Key Term: Operation Sheruwali — the ongoing counterinsurgency search operation against militants in the Rajouri forests