Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, May 10: Security forces and police have geared up to counter infiltration attempts on the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) following credible inputs given by the Intelligence agencies that a number of militants have become active at the launching pads on Pakistan side with a view to infiltrate into this side.
“With snow having melted completely, the Intelligence and security agencies were anticipating increased activity along the LoC and IB in the summer especially in view of high presence of militants across,’’ official sources said.
IGP Jammu zone, Rajesh Kumar told the Excelsior that Security Grid was in place and they have been directed how to act in case of infiltration. “Particular areas have been identified and given to the specific Security Grids to act in case of infiltration,’’ he said.
Mr Kumar said police was in second or third line at the LoC and IB behind Army and Border Security Force (BSF) and it would act as the situation warranted if a successful infiltration attempt was reported, the chances of which were very less in view of strong presence of Army and BSF on the front.
The Jammu Police chief, however, declined to speculate on number of the militants camping across LoC or IB in Jammu sector on the ground that it was anybody’s guess.
“It was not possible to get exact number of militants from this side. However, there were militants on the other side and this fact can’t be ruled out. We have to be fully alert to thwart any infiltration attempt by the militants,’’ Mr Kumar said.
Sources said the Intelligence agencies have received specific inputs that the militants present across LoC and IB in Jammu sector have been activated with the onset of summer and their presence has been observed in various places along the IB opposite Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts and the LoC in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Army along the LoC and BSF on the IB have been maintaining a high alert to ensure that the infiltration attempts were thwarted. Night vigil and patrolling at vintage points has been stepped-up.
Police stations in the border areas were also on alert with a direction from the police authorities to step-up night vigil if any successful infiltration attempt was reported either on the LoC or the IB.
“The summer strategy to counter infiltration attempts is in place on both LoC and IB. It was aimed at maintaining the level of infiltration at zero like the previous year when the militants were unable to intrude into this side from the LoC in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch and IB in Jammu sector,’’ sources said.
They recalled that the militants, who had tried to intrude last year during summer or otherwise, had to retreat in view of strict surveillance maintained by Army and BSF. Some of the militants were killed in failed intrusion bids.
According to official figures maintained by the Intelligence agencies, number of the militants attempting to sneak into this side from LoC and IB across the State could be “around 200’’. However, they said, the number kept on changing every week as some militants return to their camps unable to infiltrate into this side and are replaced by the another group.
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