Terror groups ready launch pads across LOC: J&K DGP

nNEWDELHI:AT a time when global attention is focused on the fight against the coronavirus disease(covid-19) pandemic, Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-taiba (LET) and Jaish-emohammed (JEM) have started assembling launch pads across the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir to beef up their strength and prepare for engagement with Indian security forces in the summer.

While Indian security forces managed to neutralize five LET intruders in the Kupwara sector in a four-day operation, the Muridke -based group has readied terrorist groups for infiltration into the Uri, Karna, Keran and Kala Roos sectors in north Kashmir, J&K’S director general of police Dilbagh Singh said.

The situation south of Pir Panjal is also hot, with infiltration alerts in Mendhar, Balakot, Savjian, Nowshera, Samba and Hiranagar sectors.

The overall security situation in J&K in 2020 has been stable with as many as 50 terrorists being neutralized, yet there are no less than 242 active terrorists in the Valley, out of whom 104 are foreigners belonging to the LET and JEM. According to intelligence inputs, while the Lashkar is trying to use the north Kashmir route to infiltrate into India, the JEM is trying to infiltrate in the Jammu sector.

“Already there are visuals of food and shoes being stockpiled at launch pads at Tattapani across the Kupwara sector, indicating infiltration activity will pick up in the coming days when the snow melts at high mountain passes,” said a senior security official who didn’t want to be named.

According to counter-terror operatives, although sentiment among the local youth may be inclined towards extremism, their entry into the terrorist ranks has been impeded by a shortage of weapons and a communication clampdown.

As all voice over the internet protocol (VOIP) platforms require 4G networks, which have been blocked.

Pakistan-based terror groups want to beef up their capacity in Kashmir by reinforcing their terrorist numbers and firepower.

Even though the recent release of National Conference father-son duo Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah has been seen favourably by the public in the Valley, it will be a testing time for the new Altaf Bukhariled Apni party as Pakistan based groups seek to turn up the heat this summer.

SECURITY SITUATION IN J&K IN 2020 IS STABLE WITH 50 TERRORISTS NEUTRALISED, YET THERE ARE NO LESS THAN 242 TERRORISTS IN THE VALLEY