Militant guides killed in Kupwara

The Pakistani terrorists killed by the Army in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir were acting as guides to those who infiltrate from across the LoC.

Militant guides killed in Kupwara

The Pakistani terrorists killed by the Army in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir were acting as guides to those who infiltrate from across the LoC.

In one of the longest anti-insurgency operations in the restive state, the army killed 17 militants in the dense forests of Kupwara. Eight army personnel, including a Major were also killed during the gunbattle.

Official sources confirmed that the Kupwara incident is a grim reminder that infiltration may go up during the coming days and they also apprehended that more militants may have been holed up inside the forests.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Deepak Kapoor also confirmed that there may be a spurt in the infiltration bid by militants. He pointed out that the militants killed in Kupwara were heavily armed and had sophisticated communication equipment.

While the military is getting ready for more action, the government is taking the matter very seriously in view of the impending elections.

Infiltration has always been a major security headache for the government but with the elections round the corner, the concerns are at an all-time high.

Defence Minister A K Antony said, "There will be attempts from mischievous elements from across the border to create problems during election. Armed forces have been asked to be ready to tackle any eventuality. We have also taken up the matter with Pakistani authorities."

Official sources confirmed that more than 800 militants are waiting to cross over into the country from across the LoC.

The government has pledged deployment of two million security personnel to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. No chances are being taken with even a big-ticket event like the Indian Premier League not allowed to be held simultaneously with the elections.

Gen Kapoor, without confirming the number of infiltrators, asserted that such bids go up during elections. He confirmed that there are over 50 terror training camps across the LoC and thus the threat never recedes except for in winter when heavy snowfall renders the terrain inhospitable.

The five-day long Kupwara encounter is among one of the longest and bloodiest during the recent times in J&K.