Infiltration across LoC marks 25 per cent increase

May 04: Initially it was Pakistan based Jaish’s financial transactions within India and now the increase in infiltration from across the Line of Control LOC is dividing Jammu and Kashmir into an Indian and a Pakistani part, and hence creating a discrepancy between two countries.

Knowledgeable sources from various intelligence agencies’ operations in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have revealed that infiltration across LoC from Pakistan has increased by 25 per cent. Informed sources revealed that 102 militants have crossed into Indian part of the state from across the border between January and April which is far higher than 74 during the corresponding period last year. Most of the infiltration bids were carried out in the month of April.

Intelligence officials working in the state told that most of the infiltration bids were being carried out in Pir Panjal border area. The belt meander the Jammu province, Kashmir valley and Pakistan occupied Kashmir PoK. “Snow is meting quite fast in the belt, thus easing the way for the infiltrators,� a Jammu based intelligence official revealed on conditions of anonymity. Frontier district of Poonch has always remained favourable transit for infiltrators as was in the past. During the opening of Poonch-Rawlakote trans-LoC bus route more than 30 militants infiltrated to this side within three days through Poonch district.

The bureau (Newstrack India) also came to know that Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has apprised concerned quarters of the revelations. This fact has been reflected in their recent report submitted in New Delhi. State intelligence has expressed concern over increase in the level of infiltration in the backdrop of recent demand for troop withdrawal.

Officials concerned with the anti-terrorism activities within the state revealed that the militants in the state are under tremendous pressure, as many key figures were killed and they are facing shortfall of money and weapons. “They have urged their commanders stationed in PoK to push more militants to assists them�, the officials said.

Contrary to the previous practices militants have changed the strategy of using local guides for infiltration, to maintain secrecy, and are instead using global positioning system (GPS), the officials said. Officials revealed, “Several GPS devices were recovered from infiltrating militants recently in Krishnagati area of Poonch as well as Kupwara."