Terrorists may step up activities in Jammu-Kashmir

Some terror camps along the LoC have shifted to the interior regions of PoK after the September 28 surgical strikes

Security agencies are apprehending an increase in militant operations in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to speculations about a potential rise in targeted attacks against security forces and civilians, following the surgical strike conducted by the Army targeting terror launch pads in PoK.

Quoting intelligence inputs, government sources said there is a high probability of terror attacks being carried out by militants, who have already sneaked into Jammu and Kashmir, following instructions from Pakistan.

These attacks may majorly target security forces serving in the Kashmir Valley, besides psoing an equal threat in civilian areas in the Jammu region.

"We have put security forces on high alert and asked them to be extra vigilant, taking into account the prevailing situation," a source said.

There have been reports that after yesterday's operation, some terror camps along the LoC were shifted to the interior regions of PoK, sources said quoting intelligence inputs.

They said further that the evacuation of civilians has been completed in some areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, where people will not return till the situation becomes normal.

The sources also said the Indian soldier, who inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan, could be a "deserter" as he walked out of a group of soldiers and strayed into the Pakistani territory.

Army sources had said yesterday that "one soldier from 37 RR with weapon has inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control. Pakistan has been informed by the DGMO on the hotline."

Government has already issued a country-wide alert, asking the states to heighten vigil to foil any attempt by the Pakistan-based terror groups to carry out attacks, amid apprehensions of a backlash by terrorists.

India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and others who are trying to support them.

The September 29 announcement made by the DGMO Lt, Gen Ranbir singh, came close on the heels of a terror strike on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Kashmir that left 19 Indian soldiers dead. The attack was carried out by the Pakistan-based JeM terror group on September 18.