Raising the alarm bells for the security establishment, a group of 10-12 Pakistan-backed terrorists has managed to sneak into the Kashmir Valley in the last three days despite the forces having foiled as many as 12 infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) during the same period. With a major attack on the security installations by this group now being apprehended, the security forces have been asked to be on their tightest vigil.
Incidentally, the infiltration by such a big group from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) to stoke violence is the first such since the abrogation of special status under Article 370 on August 5. Moreover, in an apparent attempt to internationalise the Kashmir issue, the Pakistan Army has stepped up ceasefire violations also in the last three to four days attracting retaliation by the Indian Army.
Admitting that the presence of a large and well-trained group of Pakistan-backed terrorists is a matter of concern now, officials in the security establishment said here on Saturday. At least 25 terror launch pads were also activated in the last few days in POK across Poonch and Rajouri sector of Jammu division, they added. It indicates that the coming days may see more bids by terrorists to sneak in.
Giving details of the 12 infiltration bids foiled by the Army in the last three days, they said these attempts took place all across the LoC in South and North of Pir Panjal ranges. While south comprises Poonch and Rajouri, sensitive districts of Tangdhar and Gurez are part of north.
Generally, the terrorists try to come in from Tangdhar and Gurez as the mountain passes are rugged and dotted with jungles thereby making it difficult for the security forces to guard the entire stretch. However, terrorists have infiltrated from Poonch and reports indicate that the group has entered the Kashmir Valley after traversing the Pir Panjal ranges.
This means that ISI and the Pakistan Army have now adopted a new tactic to push in ultras from south of Pir Panjal, they said. Explaining the dangers associated with such a move, they said terrorists have to trek for at least two days after infiltrating to reach the Kashmir Valley and have to constantly avoid capture. However, this group has managed to evade the security dragnet thereby posing a grave challenge, they admitted.
As the administration is set to ease restrictions and open educational institutions in Kashmir from Monday, security forces apprehend the terrorist group may try to shatter peace by engineering some big incident. Intelligence reports suggest the target will be security forces. In case, they retaliate and some collateral damage takes place in terms of civilian casualties, the blame will obviously will rest on the law enforcement agencies. In the present atmosphere, it may prove counter-productive for the Government to maintain calm, sources said.
Handlers located across the border have also instructed ultras active in the Kashmir Valley to refrain from taking part in anticipated mass protests unlike in the past when they used to brandish weapons. Instead, they have been directed to snatch weapons from security forces inviting reaction and collateral damage which would put the Government in a spot and bad light.
Faced with these likely scenarios, the security forces will try to prevent the critical mass of protesters from gathering in order to avoid situation getting out of hand, officials said adding the local commanders have redrawn their tactics to prevent a spike in violence in the coming days.