Jammu: Around 82 Pakistani terrorists are present and active in Jammu and Kashmir and approximately 160 have been brought by the Pakistan Army near the Line of Control (LoC) for infiltration into this side of J&K.
Giving this information, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi also said that Pakistan continues to send arms, including Pistols and grenades, to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and these are used to target non-locals in Kashmir.
He said the total number of terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir is estimated to be 300.
They include 82 foreigners (implying Pakistanis) and 53 local terrorists, he said while speaking to the media in Poonch on the occasion of Poonch Link Up Day.
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“The worrisome part is that there are around 170 unidentified terrorists who are tasked to carry out criminal activities,” the Lt Gen said.
He said the army is always prepared to foil all the designs of terrorists.
Replying to a query, the Army Commander said around160 terrorists are stationed at the various launch pads across the border, waiting for chance to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir.
He said terrorists operating in J&K are facing shortage of weapons and Pakistan is sending consignments of pistols, grenades, along with drugs.
“Small weapons are being used to target non-J&K residents who come to earn their living,” Lt Gen Dwivedi said.
He said the local people of Kashmir have strongly condemned such acts.
“Those involved in killing innocents will face action,” he asserted.
The army officer said a huge quantity of drugs is being sent from Pakistan to this side.
On the drone challenge, he said it is being countered.
Regarding recruitment of locals as terrorists, Lt Gen Dwivedi said 35 per cent are below 20 years of age and the remaining include the youth in the age group of 20-30 years.
