Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, May 07 (KINS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the forces to enhance vigil along the borders especially in the non-fenced areas to fortify the ‘anti-infiltration grid’.
Sources told news agency KINS that a mega exercise to fortify the ‘anti-infiltration grid’ along the borders has been launched by the “BSF, Army given the fact that militants may try to sneak this side in the ongoing summer”.
“Though the central government is busy in the efforts to stop the deadly covid-19, but the Home Minister reviewed the security of borders and directed the force to ensure that no infiltration takes place on the LOC” MHA sources said.
“There are reports that a large number of militants are waiting at launch pads on the other side of the LoC to sneak into this side at a time when the security forces are busy helping the region’s civil administration to fight the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. They will attempt infiltration as snows are melting, summer months have started,” the sources said.
“You need to take measures, and beef up counter-infiltration posture to take care of the situation.” Sources quoting HM 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.
Sources said that the Defence Ministry has also directed the Army to remain on a high alert on borders.
They said that given the past experience majority of the crossovers infiltration taking place between April and September.
Sources said that Shah has directed that vigil on the border may be intensified, especially along the unfenced area, to ensure that no movement of infiltrators is allowed.
The Army had said that in the recent days, several attempts were made by the infiltrators in Kupwara, Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region.
“There were a total of 646 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border (IB) as well as the LoC between January 1 and February 23 this year”, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said in March.
Sources said that troops have been asked to maintain the highest possible vigilance along the Line of Control in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch and Baramulla, Kupawara and other districts of the Union territory.
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 said 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)
