Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, May 25: The infiltration of militants has increased this year and over 200 militants are waiting along the Line of Control (LoC) for sneaking into Kashmir. Army is on heightened alert to prevent any further infiltration attempts.
As per the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) figures, 19 militants have infiltrated into Kashmir till April this year. These militants mostly infiltrated from Keran, Gurez, Machil and Nowgam sectors. Two groups of these militants managed to infiltrate in winter when the mountain passes were covered with snow.
Last year there were no reports of infiltration of militants into Kashmir till April and the official figure this year has already reached 19, while unofficially it is 29.
Last year, the first infiltration reports were received in May and as per MAC figures, 114 militants infiltrated into Kashmir last year, which was highest since 2014.
Sources said that around 200 militants are on launch pads mostly in Neelam Valley area of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). These militants had started gathering this year in winter only as there is more pressure on these groups to infiltrate into Kashmir in summer.
Sources said that the militant groups are carrying out reconnaissance along the LoC regularly but the tight vigil along by the Army and regular patrols are preventing them from sneaking in.
After the reports of early infiltration this year, Army has intensified its vigil along the LoC. The patrols have been intensified so that infiltration along the LoC is stopped. Army is conducting regular patrols in entire 5 kilometer belt along the LoC to tackle the infiltrated militants in forests only so that they don’t reach hinterland to carry out attacks.
Eight militants were killed along the LoC while they were trying to infiltrate in Nowgam and Keran sectors in May and April respectively.
Army killed 4 militants in Nowgam sector on May 19 when they were trying to infiltrate in Kissan Battalion area of Nowgam in Handwara sector. Three Army men were also killed during the operation.
Army foiled a major infiltration bid in Keran sector along the LoC in Kupwara district of North Kashmir, killing four militants on April 10.
According to official figures, there are 90 militants active in North Kashmir, majority of them foreigners. However, majority of the infiltrated militants keep shifting to South Kashmir once they infiltrate.
Follow our WhatsApp channel