‘Marginal increase in infiltration attempts this year’

Not only does the Army in Kashmir face hostile terrain and weather, it also has to contend with a terror network across the border as well as on the Indian side. Infiltration, most of the times, is supported by firing from across the border; with frequent encounters and unprovoked firing, it is one of the main border issues.

Not only does the Army in Kashmir face hostile terrain and weather, it also has to contend with a terror network across the border as well as on the Indian side. Infiltration, most of the times, is supported by firing from across the border; with frequent encounters and unprovoked firing, it is one of the main border issues.

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Army’s Srinagar-based Corp Commander, Lt.Gen. Subrata Saha, told HT, “This year, there have been 75 militancy-related operations and 11 failed infiltration bids in Kashmir. According to security agencies, 48 militants have been killed so far. Twenty-two civilians, 17 Army personnel, five from the BSF and two from the CRPF were killed until August. There has been a marginal increase in infiltration attempts and a large number of militants are also waiting on the launch pad.”

Along the 550km LoC between India and Pakistan, the barrier consists of two rows of fencing and concertina wires — eight to twelve feet (2.4–3.7m) tall — and is electrified and connected to a network of motion sensors, thermal imaging devices, lighting systems and alarms. These act as “fast alert signals” to Indian troops, who can be alerted and ambush infiltrators.

“In Kashmir, the entire stretch is fenced,” said Saha.