Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Aug 13: Army today said that there is increase in the intensity of the attempts of infiltration by militants from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir this year but due to strong counter-infiltration grid they have been eliminated.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lt General Subrata Saha, told reporters on the sidelines of a function here in Srinagar that Army has foiled 11 infiltration attempts since May this year and killed 19 infiltrators.
“Since end May, there have already been 11 attempts in which 19 terrorists have been eliminated. So, if you compare it, yes definitely there is increase in intensity of attempts to infiltrate and they have all been eliminated”, Lt General Saha said.
The Corps Commander said that late snowfall this year could be one of the reasons for increase in the intensity of the infiltration attempts. “First of all this year we had late snowfall. This could be reason for increase in the attempts of infiltration. Apart from that whether there is specific intention and one can’t say as they are getting eliminated on the LoC”, he said.
The GOC said that number of militants on launch pads this year has increased as compared to previous years. “In terms of numbers, it could be marginally higher than previous years”, he added.
Lt General Saha said that counter-infiltration grid is strong and ready to take any challenge. “Infiltration grid is pretty robust, it is pretty strong, it is withstanding, facing all the challenges emerging over there”, he said.
The GOC said that the infiltration grid is robust and as there was anticipation of more attempts so the grid was strengthened. “There is a robust counter infiltration grid in place. In anticipation we had already made certain changes by improving intelligence and surveillance grid. And also adding tiers to our dispositions, that way we are ready to take any challenge”, he added
Lt General Saha said that of late there is increased intensity of security forces operations in Kashmir as there are reports of increase in the movement of the militants. “Because of little increase in reports of movement, there is increase in the intensity of operations as well. In recent past, we have one contact in Pulwama district and another one in Kakapora. In one case two and in another one got eliminated. As of this morning, outside Mosque there was a grenade which was kept under some glass and when people tried to see what it is. It got exploded and therefore so many injures. Soon after it there was second similar situation but luckily people chose not to deal with it and they informed the Kashmir police”, he said.
On disclosures made by the captured Pakistani militant, Naveed, about his infiltration route, the GOC said that it is matter of investigation as he has changed his statement about the route he adopted three to four times. “Investigation is on and you are also aware that he has made 3 or 4 changes in the route and it needs investigation”, he said.
Lt General Saha admitted that there is increase in local recruitment of Kashmiri youth in militant ranks. “In 2015, if you see currently the local recruitment that is there, it is between 30-40 and all of 2014 it was 64 and it is almost at par with 2014. And yes, when we compare 2012 and 2103 with 2014 and this year until now, it is almost higher side”, he said.
The GOC said that it is not all of South Kashmir where there is increased militant activity but in some pockets only. “It is not all of South Kashmir. Basically, it is the belt that is along the highway, the area of Kakpora to some extent Chursu and Pulwama area”, he added.
Lt General Saha said that there are periods when the movement of militants increases so is the intensity of the incidents. “The point is there are certain periods when you see the intensity of movement increases, the intensity of incidents increases and we respond appropriately”, he added.
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