Terrorists from Pakistan have nearly stopped infiltrating into Kashmir. The reason is not the new government of Imran Khan nor the improving India-Pakistan relations, but early snowfall in Kashmir as almost all the high ridges and peaks across Kashmir have closed.
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Officials monitoring the infiltration bids on the LoC say that over 100 militants have managed to sneak into Valley this year. However, post snowfall, there has been almost no detection of any major militant movement on the LoC.
“The early snowfall closes the mountain passes and ridges and hence the movement of infiltrators become difficult. There are more chances of getting detected if infiltration bids are made with snow all around,’’ a senior army officer told HT.
Another army officer said that militants sneak into the Valley before October as it becomes difficult for them to enter after the snowfall. Adding that the surveillance is never lowered, the officer said that despite risks, few groups do make an attempt to sneak into the Valley.
Infiltration Shift Towards Jammu
Officials keeping a close watch on infiltration say that the militants attempt to sneak into the state via Jammu region, especially during winters.
“Either the militants sneak into Kashmir from Jammu region or take chances via some parts of Uri district, which witnesses low snowfall during winters,’’a police officer said.
Both army and police officials put the number of active militants in Kashmir around 250 to 300. This year alone around 238 militants were killed in different operations since January.
“Groups of militants are always waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the Valley,” a senior official said. Some officials even blame the Pakistani army for facilitating their entry into the region during ceasefire violations.
