BSF intensifies security
Srinagar : With the onset of summer, particularly after the snows begin to melt, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Defence Ministry have asked security forces in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to remain all-out alert along the Line of control and keep a close eye on “infiltrates”.
The Border Security Force (BSF) under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Armed Forces under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India are deployed on Line of control in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a deadly gun battle at Jumgund area of North Kashmir Kupwara District, the Indian Army lost its 5 personal of Special Forces while as five militants were also killed.
The Army had maintained that it was the biggest incursion attempt since the snow has begun to melt.
Top source in the MHA told Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that troops have been asked to maintain the highest possible vigilance along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch and Baramulla, Kupawara and other districts of the Union territory.
“A large number of militants are waiting at launch pads on the other side of the LoC to sneak into this side. They will attempt infiltration as snows are melting, summer months have started,” the MHA have told the troops.
“You need to take measures, and beef up counter-infiltration posture to take care of the situation.” the MHA has said.
Sources said that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also directed the Army to remain on a high alert on borders.
“The Defence minister gave such direction in a detailed briefing through video conferencing on the overall security situation along the borders in the Jammu and Kashmir and in the hinterland by senior Army officials,” sources told KINS.
Sources said that Borders have been put on high alert following Intelligence reports of presence of group of infiltrators close to the launching pads.
Meanwhile sources told KINS that the Defence ministry has directed the Army to formulate and implement its ‘summer strategy’ for Jammu and Kashmir. “The hinterland will begin opening with the melting of snow in the coming months. The strategy should be made in view of current and emerging security threats such as the regular ceasefire violations along the LoC,” it has said.
The intelligence agencies are of the opinion that higher reaches of Kashmir remain blocked due to snow for four to five months and infiltration begins once snow melts.
Meanwhile sources told KINS that the Army and Border security forces has intensified patrolling in mountainous valleys and riverine areas along the LoC in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch and Rajouri districts to foil any infiltration.
One of the top officials in the Army told KINS that the troops along the LoC are on the highest degree of alertness in the wake of fresh infiltrations.
It is to mention here that over the years the LoC has witnessed a series of ceasefire violations leaving several people dead and wounded besides triggering migration to safer locations by hundreds of the border-dwellers. The International Border (IB) in Jammu region also saw escalation in such incidents.(KINS)
