Around 300 infiltrators are trying to enter Kashmir valley through LoC

[mkb95]

The Army today said that 300 infiltrators are waiting on the other side of the Line of Control on different launching pads to sneak into the valley; but the infiltrators are unable to enter due to strong counter insurgency grid.

“This is a time when winter sets in and militants try to infiltrate into Kashmir, but they are not getting an opportunity to infiltrate,’’ Corps Commander, 15 Corps, Lt Gen Satish Dua said. He said that this time around 300 militants are waiting at different launching pads. “The infiltrators are ready to be launched but they are not getting an opportunity to sneak in.’’

Dua said that from past few weeks many attempts were made by the infiltrators to infiltrate into the Valley. “Most of the attempts were foiled either on the LoC or inside LoC,’’ he said, adding that even this time one operation is in progress on the LoC.

The Army Commander, however said that infiltration this year is low. “It is almost negligible. The infiltrators are trying their best to enter into Valley as the number of militants in the hinterland is low and they are frustrated.” Dua said that so far 19 infiltrators have been killed while trying to infiltrate.

Dua when asked why local boys are joining militancy in South Kashmir said that the number of local boys is around 40 and it is more about a media. “The number is more what it was in 2013 and 2012. The increase of local militants has been concern for us and for the agencies as well.”

Dua said that since the infiltration is not taking place in good numbers, so militants are going for the local recruitment. “The young boys are lured by various tactics. They are being locally trained and also use internet. The level of the training of these boys is not good,’’ he said adding that earlier militants used violent incidents to grab the attention. “Today, they are using social media to grab the attention as it is a low cost option available with them.”