Alert sounded along LoC as infiltration increases

Srinagar/New Delhi: A high alert has been sounded along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir Valley as infiltration from across the border has seen a sudden spurt with terror groups including banned Lashker-e-Taiba (lLeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) believed to have sent nearly 20-25 cadres in the last 10 weeks.

The terror activities in Kupwara district over the last eight weeks are suggesting that infiltration from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) has increased and these terror groups want to set up base in North Kashmir where the presence has been weak of both the Pakistan-based terror outfits, official sources said on Sunday.

A thorough analysis of intelligence inputs gathered from various agencies indicate that nearly 25 terrorists may have entered into the higher reaches of Kupwara and were trying to find their way into the Valley, the sources said.

LeT and JeM have been directed by the ISI to set up their bases in North Kashmir and mingle with the local public with the help of over ground workers and sympathisers of terror groups, they said.

The encounter in Manigah forests located on the heights of Kupwara, which has entered into fourth week now, has seen intermittent exchanges of fire between terrorists and army.

It is estimated that nearly 10 LeT terrorists had crossed Shamsabari range along the LoC before moving into Manigah forests and taking refugee in 'Dhoks' (temporary accommodation) of nomads before merging with the locals.

Two, one in gun fight and the other due to cold, have died so far and hunt is on for the others, the sources said.

One Colonel of Army was also killed in the encounters that have been taking place in this area. The sources said that while army had pressed drones and other technical instruments in locating the other terrorists, the treacherous terrain and heavy growth of Conifers in the jungle, natural caves and low visibility was coming handy for militants in hiding and carrying out surprise attacks on army.

The possibility of some of the militants having slipped into Lolab valley cannot be ruled out as well, they said.