Srinagar: As a major step to counter Pakistan's efforts to escalate terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is launching Operation Sarvashakti, media reported.

Under this operation, security forces will focus on combating terrorists operating on both sides of the Pir Panjal Mountain ranges within the Union Territory, reported news agency ANI.

Recently, there has been an upsurge in attempts by Pakistani proxy terrorist groups to rekindle terrorism in the southern areas of the Pir Panjal ranges, particularly in the Rajouri Poonch sector.

In these incidents, approximately 20 soldiers have lost their lives in terrorist attacks, with the most recent occurrence on December 21, where four soldiers were killed in action in the Dera ki Gali area.

The operations are expected to follow a similar strategy as Operation Sarpvinash, initiated in 2003 to eradicate terrorists from the Southern Pir Panjal range.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande recently noted a decline in terrorist activities in the region since 2003.

He, however, acknowledged attempts by the western adversary to revive them.

In collaboration with the Northern Command, detailed discussions were conducted with Corps Commanders to devise strategies against this threat.

The operations are under scrutiny by the Army Headquarters and the Northern Army Command in Udhampur.

Planning followed shortly after Home Minister Amit Shah's security meeting with stakeholders, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Army, intelligence agencies (both internal and external), and police officials from state and central agencies.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has conducted coordination meetings with top security forces in both Jammu and Kashmir for synchronized action against terrorists.

The Indian Army has initiated troop induction and intelligence reinforcement in the Rajouri-Poonch sector.

Despite terrorist provocations in the Krisna Ghati area, troops refrained from firing back due to the presence of civilians.

The Indian Army's swift action against its officers and personnel following the civilian deaths post the December 21 encounter has contributed positively, the report said.