Indian security forces in Kashmir had a successful day as they busted a Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) module and eliminated 3 Pakistani militants during an infiltration attempt. While the Indian army was behind the infiltration bid, the Jammu and Kashmir Police was responsible JeM module capture.
According to defence sources, three Pakistan based militants were killed while attempting to cross into Indian territory along the Line of Control (Loc). The Indian Army was ready as they had been working on a counter-insurgency mission since May 28. The deceased terrorists were heavily armed as per reports.
Intelligence agencies had alerted the Indian Army about the possibility of infiltration along the LoC after which the army launched the counter-insurgency operation. The agencies said Islamabad was pushing terrorists along the LoC which were divided into two different groups. Two groups of unidentified terrorists were concentrated at Pakistan Post and Sardari, opposite Gurez Sector while another group, led by JeM, were concentrated at Kel and Tejian.
A senior Indian Army officer stated that around 15 launch pads across Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are full of terrorists. The officer also stated that the army is anticipating an increase in infiltration attempts from across the border in the summer as terror outfits look to replenish their cadres in the valley.
As the Indian Army was carrying out a search operation in the Naushera area, J&K Police managed to bust a JeM module in Chadoora of Kashmir’s Budgam district. The police managed to recover ammunition, arms and incriminating materials including a Chinese pistol, 1 kg of heroin, more than Rs 150,000 in cash and pistol magazine and rounds and a hand grenade.
According to the police statement, Budgam Police along with 50 Rashtriya Rifles and 29 BN Central Reserve Police Force arrested 6 militants in Budgam.
The captured militants were recruited from Indian administered Kashmir and were in touch with Pakistani handlers regularly. They were involved in the narcotics trade, the supply of weapons as well as financially assisting JeM. Their capture exposes a direct connection between drugs and militants.
Although India is engaged in a standoff with China in Ladakh, the Indian Army remains pro-active and on high alert in Kashmir. Summer months see an increase in infiltration attempts along the LoC as the weather makes it more favourable to cross the border.
