In retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Indian Army launched a massive strike dubbed Operation Sindoor on terrorist facilities in Pakistan and PoK on Wednesday night. Several terrorist camps were destroyed. India targeted nine locations, with the third being the largest Jaish-e-Mohammed stronghold in Narowal district, Punjab, Pakistan.
The Tehra Kalan - Sarjal facility at Shakargarh in Narowal was a primary launching site for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Terrorists used this to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir. Located in Shakargarh Tehsil, Narowal district, Punjab, Pakistan, this camp operated within the premises of a primary health center (PHC).
Camouflaged Under the Guise of a Hospital
The core motive behind operating a terrorist facility within a health center was to keep it concealed. The Pakistani intelligence agency ISI aided in establishing such launch facilities near the international border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in government buildings, aiming to hide terrorist infrastructure.
Notably, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in Punjab, Pakistan also operate numerous other facilities out of primary health centers/basic health units, setup with ISI's help.
Significance of Tehra Kalan - Sarjal Facility
This Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist facility is crucial as it is merely 6 kilometers from the IB in the Samba sector of Jammu. This site serves as the primary base for digging cross-border tunnels used for terrorist infiltration into India.
Network of Tunnels Near the Border
Pakistani ISI and JeM have developed a network of tunnels in the Shakargarh region to facilitate sending JeM terrorists to India. All discovered tunnels in Jammu's Arnia sector were created by operators linked to this facility.
Drone Operations for Weapons and Drugs
The Sarjal facility also functions as a drone-launching base, dropping weapons, munitions, narcotics, and supplies into India. JeM terrorists have even devised plans to infiltrate India via drones, marking this facility as a significant terrorist hub.
Utilizing Radio Receiver Equipment
A control room at this Jaish base houses HF radio receivers and other communication devices utilized by JeM and HM terrorists. Encrypted instructions are dispatched from here to operational terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir.
Facility Housed in a Single-Story Building
The Sarjal camp is housed in a single-story structure, where 6-7 rooms near the entrance are used by doctors and health staff for patient check-ups. Two quarters and one hall near the parking area are used by JeM commanders and terrorists. Typically, 20-25 JeM terrorists are stationed here to facilitate infiltration and oversee terrorist activities within India.
Frequented by Key Terrorists
Mohammad Adnan Ali aka Doctor and Kashif Jan regularly visit this JeM facility. The actual JeM chief, Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, oversees operations from here. Adnan is known as the "Doctor" because he operates out of the PHC-run facility. Both Muhammad Adnan and Kashif Jan are designated terrorists under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act).
Training Provided to Khalistani Terrorists
In May 2014, on ISI's directive, Muhammad Adnan aka Doctor trained Raman Deep Singh aka Goldie of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) in para-gliding in Mae Sot, Thailand. The training was supervised by Jagtar Singh Tara (later extradited to India) and his associates Jasbinder Singh Jassa and Muhammad Umar Gondal.
This strategy of using tunnels, hospital infrastructure, and para-gliders for infiltration appears inspired by strategies used by Hamas in the Middle-East. Intelligence reports indicate JeM terrorists maintain regular contact with Hamas leaders.
Connection to 2016 Pathankot Attack
Ali Jan aka Kashif Jan, operating from Sarjal facility, was a key mastermind and operator behind the 2016 Pathankot Airforce Station attack. He was consistently in contact with terrorists over the phone, providing them directions. Shahid Latif (killed in 2023) was also aligned with this facility and was a leading JeM commander, inspirational in launching the Pathankot attackers.
Terrorists Linked with Sarjal Facility
Several Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists are connected with this facility. Associated terrorists include Allah Baksh Musab (Maulana Masood Azhar's nephew), Muhammad Irfan Arif aka Ghuman (involved in BAT operations), Waseem Noor Jatt (JeM launching commander), and Abdul Rehman aka Bhai Jigar (Deputy to Doctor).
JeM terrorists involved in the January 2020 Nagrota encounter infiltrated from this facility. Jaish-e-Mohammed, declared a terrorist organization under UAPA in October 2001, is also proscribed by the USA (October 2001), UK (October 2001), Australia (August 2015), Canada (November 2002), and UAE (November 2014).
Operational Activities Originating from Sarjal
The United Nations (UN) classified JeM as a terrorist group in October 2001, with Maulana Masood Azhar declared a global terrorist under UNSCR 1267 in May 2019. Despite international pressures and declared bans by the Pakistani government, JeM activities persist from the Sarjal facility and other bases.
