Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Security Forces Say LoRa Radios Pose New Kashmir Challenge
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir say some militants have been using LoRa radios.
These radios do not need a SIM card, mobile tower or Wi-Fi.
The article says the devices can pass messages from one radio to another.
They may also send location information and emergency alerts.
One device was reportedly found after an encounter in Budgam on September 29.
Other LoRa sets were reportedly recovered during Operation Mahadev.
Officials say they are adjusting equipment to detect and disrupt these radio signals.
The article attributes claims about the devices’ origin and encryption to security sources.
The article reports that security forces recovered LoRa devices from militants killed in encounters in Jammu and Kashmir.
A LoRa Ultra device was reportedly found near Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif after an encounter in Budgam on September 29.
Officials describe the devices as encrypted, SIM-free radios that can relay messages between handsets.
The article says LoRa devices can transmit text, GPS coordinates and SOS alerts over 10–15 kilometres in forest terrain.
Security forces say they have recalibrated spectrum scanners and jammers to target LoRa frequencies in South Kashmir.
- Who
- Security forces and militants, including Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif.
- What
- Security forces reported recovering LoRa communication devices and adapting equipment to detect their signals.
- When
- One reported recovery occurred on September 29; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- Budgam and forest areas between Dachigam and Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- Officials say the radios let militants communicate without relying on mobile networks, making them harder to track.
- Technology
- LoRa, described in the article as long-range, low-power radio communication.
- Reported range
- 10–15 kilometres in forest terrain, according to the article.
- Reported device
- A black LoRa Ultra handset was reportedly found near Mohammad Asif.
- Recovery location
- Gurwatkalan, Budgam.
- Other operation
- Multiple encrypted LoRa sets and SIM-less burner phones were reportedly found during Operation Mahadev.
- Agency cited
- The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) is said to have conducted forensic analysis.
- Security response
- Officials say spectrum scanners and jammers have been recalibrated for LoRa frequencies in South Kashmir’s forest belts.