E-Paper
Less armymen in Kashmir heights eased infiltration: report
The manner in which militants sneaked into Jammu and Kashmir this year has prompted state authorities to raise questions on the extent of Army's presence at the heights in this North Kashmir district in the backdrop of nearly 200 terrorists crossing over.
The manner in which militants sneaked into Jammu and Kashmir this year has prompted state authorities to raise questions on the extent of Army's presence at the heights in this North Kashmir district in the backdrop of nearly 200 terrorists crossing over.
Contrary to the claims of the Army that the first infiltration bid was undertaken only on March 20 this year, a report of the state home department based on the technical and human intelligence claimed that the first group of nine militants had entered through Leepa valley on March nine and ten.
The group, which mainly comprised cadres of Lashkar-e-Taiba, travelled through Leepa Valley, Sadhna Top, Bungus Valley and later to Rajwar forest in Handwara district of North Kashmir.
The report, which also has been backed up by wireless intercepts, claimed that the militants were well entrenched in the forests of Rajwar.
The group had no confrontation with the Army, it added.
When contacted for Army's reaction, the spokesperson for Srinagar-based 15 Corps or Kupwara-based 28-Division refused to answer any questions.
A detailed questionnaire on infiltration sent to Col J S Brar, acting as spokesperson of 15 Corps, was not answered despite several reminders.
