Pak-based terror groups showing desperation in J&K attacks - The India Saga

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Pak-based terror groups showing desperation in J&K attacks

“ Pakistan trained terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), equipped with AK-47 rifles, attacked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on…

Pak-based terror groups showing desperation in J&K attacks

Pakistan trained terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), equipped with AK-47 rifles, attacked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on June 25 at Pampore. In this most deadly attack on security forces in recent years, eight CRPF officials were martyred while more than 25 were injured out of them few were grievously wounded.The two heavily armed L-e- T terrorists resorted to indiscriminate firing on CRPF vehicle which was not bullet proof. As most of the CRPF buses are not bullet proof the terrorists take advantage of this and the security force personnel become an easy target. The CRPF personnel were quick to respond and killed both the terrorists within minutes. Intelligence sources said the terrorists were helped by support agents of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) who are active in the Valley.In the recent past terrorist attacks in the Valley have gone up. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has remarked that it is the âÂÂfrustrationâ as more than 25 terrorists were killed by security forces in last one month in Jammu and Kashmir. In fact it is not only the frustration of terrorists but it is also the disillusionment of their Pak-based handlers who are realizing that the terrorism in the Valley is dwindling very fast and due to the advent of tourist season, the people of J&K are not resorting to demonstrations against security forces on fabricated issues.Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti while criticizing terrorism emphasised that terrorism is hurting the tourism which is very important for the economic revival of the state.Terrorists are losing ground in the Valley and Pakistani army is worried that in international arena the importance, influence and prestige of India has enhanced while Pakistan is being branded as a nation sponsoring terrorism.IndiaâÂÂs joining of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is also a big achievement. The terrorists are also aware that  Amarnath Yatra would commencefrom July 2 and would continue till August 18 and at that time stringent security arrangement may not be easy to penetrate and launch terror strikes.On June 28, security forces killed two terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen at Kupwara district in a gun battle which is fifth encounter with terrorists in last onemonth.In the past, Pakistan has allowed use of its territory to numerous terrorist groups who have launched terror attacks  in J&K. These include Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammed, Harkat-ul- Jihad al-Islami, Harkat-ul- Mujahideen, Hizbul Mujahideen, Al-Badr. These outfits worked to the Pak design of carrying alow intensity war in the border state. There is relative peace in Afghanistan, hence, Pak-based terror groups, aided by the ISI, have increased terrorist activity in J&K and the plan is to push in more terrorists in India though the Indian security forces have foiled numerous infiltration attempts.Many of the infiltrators are from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Inhabitants of J&K are also being recruited, intelligence sources say. The training in terror camps in POK is given in the use of small arms as well as assembly of crude bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).The terrorists are using social media vigorously for the new recruitment as well as for spreading disinformation campaign against security forces. The Sufi tradition which was so special and characteristic of Kashmir is dying and Wahabis and Salafis are gaining strength which is a dangerous trend. The administration should encourage development of Sufi culture in J&K so that terrorists are considered as criminals and there is no demonstration when terrorists are killed in encounters.The political parties as well as government machinery must sort out legitimate grievances of people of J&K, they should also be told about the pitiablecondition of residents of POK where the development is negligible in comparison to J&K.The government must fulfill all the promises made to the surrendered terrorists and they should be merged in the mainstream. Security agencies should also keep a watch on their activities so that they do not return to terrorism.(J.K. Verma is a Delhi-based security analyst. The views are personal.)”

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