Pakistan plans to send in Afghan JeM militants through LoC, Gujarat – 2 min read

New Delhi: Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants are planning terrorist strikes in India after entering the country through Kashmir and Gujarat, the Indian Army said on Thursday.

The militant threats come on the back of India abrogating special category status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution earlier this month.

Officials, citing intelligence reports, said that around 12 Afghan militants belonging to the JeM are active in the Leepa Valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Leepa Valley was earlier a part of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir and is located opposite the Uri and Tangdhar sectors.

“These militants are supported by the Pakistan Army for terrorist attacks against India,” said a senior Army officer, adding: “The attacks have been planned through Border Action Team.”

The BAT comprises Pakistani Army commandos as well as terrorists and carries out cross-border operations and raids across the Line of Control (LoC) in order to ensure domination along the stretch. BAT personnel are trained by Pakistani Army and the Air Force.

According to officials, JeM founder Masood Azhar’s brother Rauf Asghar had conducted a meeting in Bahawalpur city in Pakistan’s Punjab province on August 19-20 to launch the terrorists from across the Line of Control (LoC) into the Kashmir Valley.

Intelligence reports have further alerted that Pakistan plans to carry out BAT action against India at the LoC.

Special Services Group commandos have been activated near the Iqbal Bajwa post of Pakistan opposite Sir Creek in Gujarat. Besides, reports also suggest about a 10-day refresher course-cum-recruitment camp for militants in Manshera area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the recent past.

Army and paramilitary forces have been asked to remain on alert for the possible attacks.

Published on: Aug 22, 2019 at 22:04 IST

IANS