Major Terror Attack Threat In Kashmir, Additional Forces Rushed To Valley

The Centre has ordered rushing of about 10,000 central forces personnel to the Kashmir valley in order to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order duties there, following a heads-up about a terror attack threat

Representational Image: AFP

New Delhi: Terrorists are planning to carry out a major attack in Kashmir valley, sources claimed, prompting the government to rush additional troops to strengthen the counter-terrorist grid in the area. Inputs have been received by the security and spy agencies that after the successful conduct of Panchayat elections in the state, terrorist groups have been asked to carry out an attack on forces. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a meeting of counter-terrorism grid in Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation in the Kashmir valley. After receiving the inputs about the terrorists’ plan and assessment by the NSA, the government felt the need for deploying additional troops there," top government sources, were quoted as saying by news agency NI. The NSA has gone to Kashmir valley for a meeting with the top officials of the counter-terrorism grid.

The peaceful conduct of Amarnath Yatra which saw a record number of pilgrims taking part has also irked the terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan and Pakistan Army's spy agency ISI, the agency said. After a considerable gap this year, Pakistani terrorist groups tried to infiltrate into the Indian territory yesterday in the Machhil sector but the attempt was foiled by the alert troops of the Indian Army. In view of the threat perception, the security forces including the Army and CRPF units are maintaining the highest levels of vigil to foil any misadventure in their area of responsibility. NSA Ajit Doval is constantly in touch with the security agencies to monitor the situation and is keeping a close eye on developments in the state. Centre rushes 10,000 troops to Kashmir Union home ministry has ordered the deployment of 100 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) on July 25 on an "immediate" basis. Officials said that 100 more companies are expected to be sent to the valley. One CAPF company comprises about 100 personnel. The latest units will be drawn from the CRPF (50 companies), SSB (30) and ITBP and BSF will contribute 10 each, they said. The ministry has said that these personnel will be deployed to strengthen the counter-insurgency grid and law and order duties in the Kashmir Valley, they said. (with inputs from agencies)