‘Pak army trying to push more’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 6: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said today that large number of militants have managed to infiltrate from Pakistan under the cover of ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir though number of infiltration attempts have been foiled by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC).
He said security forces have, however, engaged many infiltrators in the encounters and killed or arrested some of them at Gulmarg, Ganderbal etc even though Pakistan army was trying to push more and more militants into the State from the LoC.
In a brief chat with media persons in the border district of Poonch where regular ceasefire violations were being reported from Pakistan side, Dilbag said reports suggest that large number of militants have managed to infiltrate from Pakistan while 200-300 militants were already active in the State though their numbers kept fluctuating.
“We have strengthened the Anti-Infiltration Grid along the borders with Pakistan. Still reports suggest that many militants have managed to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir. We have engaged some of the militants in the encounters. One of them was recently arrested in Gulmarg while others were killed in Ganderbal,’’ the State police chief said.
Asserting that there have been many ceasefire violations in Kashmir as well as Jammu, Dilbag said Pakistan army has been resorting to firing in Kanachak, RS Pura and Hiranagar sectors (along the International Border), Rajouri and Poonch districts (on the Line of Control) in Jammu region, Uri, Nambla, Karnah and Keri on the LoC in Kashmir.
“Pakistan army has been trying to push more and more militants (from the borders into Jammu and Kashmir). Our security forces have foiled many infiltration attempts by the militants on the borders,’’ the Director General of Police said.
He said in view of reports of fresh infiltration of militants from Pakistan, the search operations are being intensified everywhere.
In response to a question about total number of militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbag said the numbers could be between 200 to 300 but added that the numbers don’t remain static and keep on fluctuating.
There were reports that militants have managed to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir using dormant routes of infiltration since abrogation of special Constitutional provisions of the State and its bifurcation into two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh to step-up militant activities in the State as well as outside.
Intelligence agencies have already sounded alert about possible terror strikes in sensitive areas in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country as there were reports that some militants might have reached the Union capital.
On current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Director General of Police said situation is completely peaceful Leh and Kargil and it was better than before in the Kashmir valley.
“Today again there were massive traffic jams in Kashmir. The markets were open. In the next few days, there will be further improvement,’’ he added.
During his visit to the border district of Poonch, Dilbag Singh reviewed law and order and situation prevailing on the LoC where Pakistan was regularly resorting to heavy shelling in civilian areas. He was briefed on the situation by top police officials including IGP Jammu Mukesh Singh, DIG Rajouri-Poonch range Vivek Gupta and SSP Poonch Romesh Angral.
The Director General of Police also visited Mandi in Poonch district.
Worthwhile to mention here that several civilians have been injured and their houses and other structures damaged in Pakistan shelling.
The DGP first visited Katra in Reasi district.
He also visited Bhawan and took stock of the security measures which are put in place during the festivals and day to day basis.
The DGP was briefed by the officers and on the security scenario and measures taken en-route to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. He was briefed about the functioning of CCTV cameras, nakas, frisking points en-route Bhawan and joint deployment of police and CRPF personnel in Katra town and its vicinity.
The DGP also interacted with the joint QRTs of JK Police & CRPF on ground and lauded their role in performing day night duties to ensure peaceful pilgrimage throughout the year especially during the Navratra festivals and also elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir.
Later, the DGP visited Kulali, Poonch.
The DGP was briefed by the CO 16 RR about the security scenario and counter infiltration and counter terrorism measures being taken by the forces.
While interacting with the officers of Police and Army, the DGP complimented and lauded measures taken to ensure counter infiltration grid. He exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant to emerging security challenges.
The DGP addressed a public meeting at Kulali which was also attended by Panchs and Sarpanchs of the area including Marah, Dophale and villages adjoining hill Kaka.
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