New Delhi: The security advisory that has Kashmir on edge was triggered by suspicion that a batch of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists succeeded in crossing the Line of Control over the past 10 days, sources in the security and defence establishment have told ThePrint.
In an unprecedented decision, the Modi government cancelled the Amarnath Yatra this week and asked pilgrims and tourists to leave the Valley.
The number of security forces posted in Kashmir was increased as well, further stoking fears of imminent danger among local residents. It also led to speculation that the Modi government was preparing the ground to revoke Article 35A that grants people of Jammu & Kashmir special privileges, and about plans to trifurcate India’s northernmost state.
However, sources told ThePrint that the real reason for the security scare was the suspected infiltration by a group of JeM terrorists, who are believed to have entered India from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
According to the sources, over the past week and a half, multiple infiltration attempts were made in various sectors along the Line of Control, including the failed bid in Keran this week, where four infiltrators – who might be Pakistani army commandos, according to the Indian Army – were killed.
“The fog in some of these areas is very dense. Multiple attempts have been made which has led to encounters. It is feared that some did manage to sneak in, taking advantage of the terrain, weather and the ceasefire violations by the Pakistani army,” one of the sources said.
The sources pointed to multiple intelligence alerts that warned of a conspiracy to attack the yatra and said any infiltration by foreign terrorists posed a serious threat.
Any attack on the yatris, the sources said, could have severe repercussions in the rest of the country, which is why the pilgrimage was cancelled altogether.
ThePrint had reported on 31 July that Pakistan was again resorting to infiltration attempts and ceasefire violations after a lull of nearly two months.
The encounter in Keran sector took place on the night of 31 July. It was triggered by an infiltration attempt by 15 men, of whom four were killed. The others are believed to have returned to Pakistan.
The Army, through the hotline, has asked the Pakistani army to take back the bodies, but Islamabad is yet to do so. Meanwhile, the bodies continue to lie in the open on the Indian side of the LoC.
Also read: No, Modi govt is not trying to split Jammu and Kashmir into three parts
Terror launchpads back
According to sources in the security and defence establishment, at least 14-16 terror launchpads are back in action across the LoC after a brief lull following the IAF air strike on the JeM facility in Pakistan’s Balakot this February.
These launchpads were briefly dismantled after the air strike as Pakistan came under the international scanner for continued support to terrorism.
“The launchpads have become active again. Infiltration attempts are being made and the Pakistani army is indulging in ceasefire violations to give them a safe passage,” a source said.
Security forces estimate that around 200 terrorists are back in PoK and more infiltration attempts will be made in the coming days.
Over the last two weeks, the intensity of ceasefire violations from Pakistan has increased, as has the calibre of weapons used. The Indian Army has responded with the same calibre, and the 155 mm howitzers – Bofors – have been used as well, like they were during another spell of ceasefire violations this April.
@ Rohit Desai what do you know about Trump? He is best negotiatior ever you find. That is the reason he made his $ billions. He won’t bend easily like other leaders. He tries all tactic in negotiating at the end things don’t go his way then he uses wild joker. Most leaders want to start but this guy finsh in way people always get surprised.
Mr Bhatia, thats a very small price to pay for the unity & integrity of India.
Heartiest Congratulations to PM Modi! The Lumpen Elements of the Valley who were holding the Country to ransom day in and day out … well their bluff has been called.
The Valley will heave a sigh of relief.
After watching Cut the Clutter. By lunchtime on Monday, Article 370 could be history. When the political resolve is there, 35 A alone is small potatoes. How it will be received in the Valley and by the rest of the world, the passage of time will make clear. 2. Although I do not understand these things with the depth of the Editor, Afghanistan seems to be an important consideration. For India’s interests to be so much at variance with America’s could create strains in the rest of the relationship. Minor pinpricks like denial of ground handling autonomy to Air India at five US airports suggests a depletion of goodwill and generosity.
Mr. Sanjiv Bhatia – the biggest losers were and are the Kashmiri Brahmins who are living in exile from their own place. Their properties looted, women raped and butchered. I don’t understand how could you suspect the authenticity of action. Do you think NDA govt. elected by 125 crore people of India are fools / un-mature. Have patience and respect your brothers and sisters Kashmiri Hindus.
Very reassuring to read these clarifications. It is evident that neither the surgical strikes nor the more robust military response to Pulwama have really ended this menace. Our government could convey to the US that if these provocations continue, serious trouble could flare up just at the time when it is firming up its schedule for withdrawal from Afghanistan. President Trump could use his mediatory skills to restrain Pakistan.
There are two domestic terrorism events in the US in less than 24 hours, with a total casualties of 29 dead, according to the federal investigators. Nobody expects Trump to do anything drastic to prevent such events. He may visit the bereaved families, as he did after the mass shooting in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Why would he do anything to restraint Pakistan? He had offered to mediate on Kashmir, if India and Pakistan both asked him to do so. But that hasn’t happened. Moreover, how did you conclude that he has mediatory skills? He has miserably failed to convince th young dictator of North Korea to give up his nukes in the interest of his own country.
Oh… Oh….. Poor Indian,armyandgov.yes it is write time to ask USA. plz go on.
Biggest loser’s will be students who were vacated out of hostels. I understand as many as 1500 were vacated out of one college alone. No one knows how many months will be lost before they are cleared to return. If such heightened fear is instilled in their hearts, some parents may not return their wards to colleges in the valley. So will they have to start their studies from scratch and in other states? Very disappointing, if all this hyperactivity proves to be unwarranted.