The security forces were alarmed over the higher num­ber of local terrorists besides 100 fresh recruits joining var­ious terrorist tanzeems (orga­nizations) including Hizbul Mujahideen and Pakistan-based and controlled Laskhar-e-Tayyeba (LeT).

Familiar with the terrain and supported by misguided citizens, the local terrorists were moving around in the hinterland targeting security forces. In fact, they managed to kill at least eight soldiers in three encounters including one ambush last month forcing the local commanders to redraw their tactics,

Even Army chief General Bipin Rawat last week in an interview to a newspaper admitted that the Army expect­ed a "hot summer" and was prepared to deal with the chal­lenge.

Explaining the proactive approach, officials said the Army along with the local police and Central Reserve Police Force was now "seeking out" terrorists following real­time Intelligence. At least eight terrorists were killed in three encounters in the last one fortnight in Kupwara, Bandipora, Pulwama and Tral.

Asked about more "con­tacts" or encounters with ter­rorists, sources said anti-mili­tancy operations had virtually come to a standstill in the lat­ter part of last year following public unrest after the killing of Burhan Wani. The Army, the police and CRPF were engaged in managing the law and order situation for nearly four to five months and Intelligence leads about terrorists "dried up,'1 they said.

With the law and order sit­uation becoming somewhat normal, the Army ramped up its Intelligence network with the help of the local police and was now going after the ter­rorists to deny them the free­dom of movement and oppor­tunity to hit the security forces and strategically important installations.

On ensuring free and fair polls for Srinagar and Anantnag, a high-level team led by the Union Home Secretary was scheduled to visit the State shortly to hold discussions with all the stakeholders to review the security situation. Apart from making prepara­tions for the polls, the high-level meeting will also take measures to provide a foolproof security net for the forthcom­ing tourist season and Amarnath Yatra.

Moreover, taking note of encounters where security forces were prevented from maintaining a cordon at the operation site by stone throw­ers, the Home Ministry recent­ly directed the paramilitary and State police force to remain in the forefront to contain public anger and facilitate smooth operations.

A stern warning was also issued to the top brass of para­military forces and the police not to allow the anti-national elements and mischief mongers to take undue advantage of the humane approach of the secu­rity forces towards youths protesting on the streets of dif­ferent parts of Kashmir Valley, To effectively tackle the situation in the coming weeks the State Government has already requisitioned 250 addi­tional companies of paramili­tary forces to handle the law and order situation, militancy related violence and area domination duties.

On the other hand, fresh Intelligence reports shared by the various agencies have already alerted about the possibility of fresh militant attacks by a suicide squad of Pakistan based militant outfits. In the recent days these agencies have
spotted increasing presence of terrorists close to their launching     pads     along the International Border in Samba and Kathua districts. The sit­uation along the LoC is no different either.

India recently expressed its concern to Pakistan over the large presence of terrorists close to the LoC in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This message was conveyed during the talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations of the two coun­tries.

Tension mounted between India and Pakistan after the Pakistan Army killed an Indian jawan in a sniping incident in Poonch last week. The incident was   followed   by heavy exchange of fire in which Trade.

Facilitation centre facilitating cross-border trade between two countries in Chakkan-da-Bagh, Poonch was  targeted by the Pakistan   Army using longrange mortar shells.

Courtesy: The Pioneer,20 March, 2017.