LoRa-based “ghost networks” can enable long-range, low-power communication without relying on conventional SIM cards, cellular towers, or Wi-Fi. In Kashmir, their potential misuse presents a new security challenge, making detection, monitoring, and countermeasures increasingly important for security agencies. Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have detected the use of LoRa-based communication devices by terrorists. These devices can operate without a SIM card, mobile tower, or Wi-Fi connection, making conventional communication monitoring more difficult. The recovery of such devices from terror commanders has raised concerns about the use of advanced communication technology by terrorist groups in remote and forest areas.

Why in the News?

Security forces recovered LoRa communication devices from terrorists during recent operations in Jammu and Kashmir. A major recovery was reported on September 29, 2026, during an encounter at Gurwatkalan in Budgam, where Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Musa Fauji was killed.

  • A LoRa Ultra device was reportedly recovered near him.

What is “LoRa” Technology?

LoRa (Long Range, Low Power) is a wireless communication technology designed to send small amounts of data over relatively long distances while using low power. Unlike traditional mobile communication, LoRa-based devices can communicate without a conventional SIM card or mobile tower.

LoRa Wireless Communication

LoRa key features include:

  • Long-range communication with low power use.
  • Can work without a SIM card.
  • Can operate without a conventional mobile network.
  • Devices can form a mesh network, where one device relays signals to another.
  • The devices recovered by security forces were reportedly capable of sending text messages, GPS coordinates, and SOS alerts.

Why is LoRa a Security Challenge?

The main challenge is that such devices can operate outside conventional mobile networks. In forest and mountainous areas, terrorists can use them to maintain communication without relying on mobile towers. This can make traditional methods of tracking mobile phones less effective.

The reported devices can:

  • Support communication over distances of around 10-15 km in forest terrain.
  • Share GPS locations.
  • Send text messages.
  • Send emergency alerts.
  • Connect with other devices through a mesh network.

Use in Recent Counter-Terror Operations

During Operation Mahadev in the high-altitude forests between Dachigam and Pahalgam, security forces reportedly recovered several encrypted LoRa devices and SIM-less phones.

  • The investigation indicated that terrorists were using these devices to communicate with one another and with handlers across the border while avoiding conventional mobile networks.
  • The use of such technology shows how terrorist groups are adapting their communication methods to avoid existing surveillance systems.

Pakistan-China Technology Link

Forensic analysis by the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) reportedly found that the recovered devices were not locally assembled.

  • Security sources claimed that the devices were pre-configured and pre-encrypted for communication across the border.
  • The source therefore points to a possible link between terror networks operating from Pakistan and advanced communication technology originating from China.
  • However, these claims are based on the investigation and statements of security sources.

Response of Security Forces

Security forces are adapting their surveillance systems to deal with this new communication method.

They have reportedly:

  • Recalibrated spectrum scanners.
  • Adjusted jamming systems to detect and disrupt LoRa frequencies.
  • Increased technical surveillance in the forest areas of South Kashmir.
  • Focused on identifying communication devices that do not depend on mobile networks.

The shift requires security agencies to move beyond traditional methods such as tracking SIM cards and mobile phones.

Security Significance

The use of LoRa-based communication highlights the growing role of technology in modern terrorism. Terrorist groups can use low-power and off-grid communication systems to reduce their dependence on traditional communication networks.

  • This creates new challenges for counter-terrorism agencies, electronic surveillance, and border security.
  • It also shows the need for security agencies to continuously update their technical intelligence and electronic surveillance capabilities.

Conclusion

The reported use of LoRa-based communication devices by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir shows how terrorist networks are adapting to modern technology. For security agencies, the challenge is to detect communication systems that operate outside conventional mobile networks. Strengthening technical intelligence, spectrum monitoring, and electronic surveillance will therefore remain important for countering such threats.