Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): The Army today said that at least 250 to 300 militants are ready to infiltrate into this side of LoC before snowfall but the counter-infiltration grid is robust and soldiers are ready to foil all such bids.
Speaking to media at Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, General officer Commanding (GoC) of north Kashmir based Kilo Force, Major General HS Sahi said that the Army is getting continuous inputs about the presence of 250 to 300 militants at the launch pads who are ready to sneak into this side to foment trouble.
“But our counter-infiltration grid along the LoC is very active and robust. We are maintaining the highest level of vigil and all bids being made by the militants to sneak in, will be foiled,” the GoC said.
It may be recalled that recently, General officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based Army’s 15 Corps, Lieutenant General B S Raju had said that this year so far, Army has been successful in foiling infiltration along the LoC. He had stated that only 30 militants had managed to infiltrate into this side compared to 126 last year from January to October 1.
Major General HS Sahi, while replying to a query, said that north Kashmir is heading towards peace since the past two months and militants haven’t been able to carry out any strike. “Four youths including the two, who surrendered today, had gone missing from Sopore area in the past one month. Two of them were arrested in Srinagar 20 days ago and the two remaining surrendered today. So all four are back home,” he said.
The GoC Kilo Force said that security forces will provide a chance to every local militant to shun militancy and join the path of peace. Asked whether the Army had advocated any rehabilitation policy for the surrendered youth, he said that the Army and Police have sent some recommendations to the J&K administration regarding surrender policy but so far there is no final draft. “Till new policy is rolled out, we will follow the existing one,” he said.
-ARK
