96 sneak into Kashmir, 141 local youth recruited
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 7: With 250 militants waiting on the launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) for sneaking in into Kashmir, this year the infiltration of militants into the Valley is already on increase.
According to Multi Agency Centre (MAC) figures, so far this year 96 militants have infiltrated into Kashmir while last year, 123 militants had sneaked in 406 infiltration attempts. In 2015, 33 militants infiltrated into Kashmir in 121 attempts while during 2016, 119 militants intruded into Kashmir in 371 attempts.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lt General A K Bhatt, said that 250 militants are waiting on the launch pads along the LoC in PoK ready to sneak in ahead of winter. Sources said that these militants are mostly waiting in Athmuqam, Tehjian, Wandalkulle, Jura and Shardi launching pads. The militants are also attempting to sneak in through Uri and Nowgam sector where from it is very difficult as there are less gaps in the infiltration grid in these sectors.
Sources said that the next two months are crucial as militants commanders across in PoK will try to push in as many militants as they can ahead of winter when the mountain passes close due to snowfall. However, security forces are vigilant and have intensified their patrolling to foil such attempts.
Not only infiltration is on increase this year, the recruitment of militants is also on rise. According to official figures, 141 youth were recruited into militancy this year so far while for the last year the figure was 126 for whole year; in 2016 it was 88; in 2015, the number was at 66; 2014 it was 53; 2013 it was 16; 2012 it was 21; 23 in 2011 and 54 in 2010. Besides this large numbers of youth have registered themselves with the militant organizations but are waiting for their latter’s nod, sources claimed.
This year security forces have achieved major successes against the militants and killed 41 infiltrators on the LoC while in the hinterland 111 militants were killed so far including top commanders of militant outfits. Despite these successes, 300 militants are still operating in Kashmir.
According to sources, there are around 150-170 militants operating in North Kashmir. They are operating in small groups in Rafiabad, Zainagheer, Sopore, Hajin, Bandipora, Baramulla, Palhalan Pattan, Kunzar Tangmarg, Lolab Kandi and Rajwar in Handwara areas.
These militants mostly belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Al-Badr. In Sopore which was for long time militancy free, Jaish has established its bases while LeT is in the peripheries of Sopore, Hajin in Bandipora, Rafiabad in Baramulla district and Handwara in Kupwara district.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
