Infiltration, terror ops figure at high-level meet
*Shri Amarnath yatra arrangements discussed
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, June 9: Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi today reviewed security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir including anti-infiltration measures, ongoing operations against the terrorists in upper reaches and arrangements for upcoming annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji among other issues during day long meetings at Udhampur-based Northern Command headquarters.
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Gen Dwivedi reached the Northern Command this morning and was closeted with senior Army commanders including Northern Command chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and General Officer Commanding (GOC) Nagrota-based 16 Corps Lt Gen PK Mishra for in-depth review of security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The senior Army Commanders gave detailed briefing to the Army chief on the measures taken to ensure zero infiltration on the Line of Control (LoC) and eliminate left-out terrorists in upper reaches.
“Arrangements for annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji in South Kashmir Himalayas in which Army also plays a major role especially in manning heights in the cave shrine besides some other sensitive locations, are also reported to have figured in the meeting,’’ officials told the Excelsior.
However, no official statement was issued by the Northern Command on visit of the Army chief and security review meeting.
The steps taken by the Army especially deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems, drones, surveillance cameras etc on the LoC to check infiltration by the terrorists came up for detailed deliberations. The Army has thwarted majority of infiltration attempts on the LoC either neutralizing the terrorists or forcing them to retreat.
Joint search operations have been undertaken by the Army along with police, Special Operations Group (SOG) and paramilitary forces to eliminate terrorists in upper reaches of the Jammu region which met with success in February when four hardcore terrorists including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Saifullah were eliminated in upper reaches of Chatroo in Kishtwar district.
“Army along with paramilitary forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police will play major role in security of upcoming annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji in South Kashmir Himalayas, which will start on July 3 and last till August 28, lasting 57 days,’’ the sources said, adding the yatra arrangements are understood to have figured prominently at the meeting.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will review arrangements for the annual pilgrimage in New Delhi on June 12 and prior to that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will hold review meeting in Srinagar on June 10.
“The Central Government doesn’t want to take any chance on Shri Amarnath yatra security arrangements. And for the purpose, the Union Home Ministry has approved 670 paramilitary companies to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The paramilitary companies have started reaching the Union Territory,’’ the sources said.
Sources said majority of the infiltration attempts made by the terrorists with backing of Pakistan army in the past on the LoC have been successfully thwarted by the troops this year in which number of terrorists have been neutralized and rest fled back under the cover of darkness or dense forest area.
In anticipation of fresh intrusion bids along the LoC, security forces have been maintaining high alert along the LoC. Sources said sophisticated gadgetry has also been playing significant role in early detection of movement on the LoC leading to immediate action by the troops to neutralize the terrorists.
Security forces have trapped a group of three terrorists in Dorimal area of Gambhir Mugalan in Rajouri district for past about 20 days. Contacts have been established by the security forces with the terrorists twice.
Security forces expressed confidence that the terrorists will be eliminated sooner or later.
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