Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Mar 06 (KINS): The Army Saturday said that it has formulated and will begin implementing its ‘summer strategy’ for Jammu and Kashmir that entails a modified re-deployment of troops along the Line of Control (LoC) for foiling “infiltration”, as the passes leading into India will begin opening with the melting of snow in the coming months”.
Sources in the security establishments told news agency KINS that every year the strategy is being made in view of emerging security threats along the LoC and the infiltration attempts that are expected to happen when the snow melts.
“The summer strategy also involves re-occupying some in-depth ‘winter vacated’ posts along the LoC that either cannot be occupied or are not air-maintainable due to the snow. However, even during winters the LoC remains well secured and there are no gaps. The summer could also witness a modification in the counter-infiltration grid in the hinterland based on threats,” said the official.
“Currently, as the infiltration routes along the LoC are blocked with snow, militants are focussing on entering India through the International Border (IB) with Pakistan, where there is no snow,” the official explained based on the present scenario in J&K.
The Border Security Force (BSF) is deployed along the IB, while the army has been placed along the LoC.
Dominating here, in military parlance, means protecting civilians who are living near the LoC,” the official said and added that the summer strategy is reviewed every year based on upcoming security threats.
Meanwhile sources said that the Border security forces have intensified vigil on infiltration routes along Line of control.
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.
Source said that BSF 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.
“Militants will attempt infiltration as snow is melting, summer months have started,” the top officials have told the BSF troops.
“You need to take measures, and beef up counter-infiltration posture to take care of the situation.”
Sources said that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also directed the Army to remain on a high alert on borders.
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. (KINS)
Summer strategy: Forces intensify vigil on “infiltration routes” along LOC
