Hours after the three member fidayeen squad stormed an Army unit located in the well fortified 16 corps headquarters in the wee hours of Tuesday the entire security establishment including the State police force and Army authorities went in to huddle to piece together the puzzle how these heavily armed men actually managed to come close to the 166 Medium Artillery Regiment without facing any resistance.

There are several theories which are currently doing the rounds but the clear picture is yet to emerge pending detailed investigations.

According to a preliminary assessment, “The fidayeen group may have been assisted by a local sleeper cell in the area and the same may have guided them to the location before the strike”.

Now the question arises from where these armed men appeared and where they were camping before mounting the strikeIJ It is not clear whether they walked on foot and camouflaged their identity behind police uniforms. It is also not clear whether the police uniforms were supplied to them by the local guide in their hideout or whether they have changed their clothes enroute army unitIJ

Another important question is if they were travelling in a private vehicle who ferried them to the location. Interestingly, the written statement issued by the army authorities remained silent on this issue.

The possibility of some one dropping them near the gate and fleeing also cannot be ruled out. According to police, no vehicle has been seized by them or found missing from the nearby areas. The Army authorities have not confirmed whether they have seized any vehicle along with its driver and has handed over him to the police for necessary follow up action and interrogation.

Ever since arterial bypass road has been thrown open for vehicular traffic the old road which passes through the Nagrota town is only used by the army and local civilians.

The majority of passenger vehicles also ply on the old road only between specific timings and the road is not used by regular commuters as they prefer high speed expressway to cut down their journey time.