Infiltration up, admits Army

Aug. 26: GOC-in-C Northern Command Lieutenant-General P.C. Bhardwaj on Wednesday claimed that although the rate of infiltration bids from across the border has gone up, the general security situation has considerably improved in the state.

Lt. Gen. Bhardwaj said the threat from across the border still exists and it is evident from the upswing in infiltration this year. "Logistic support to militants, too, is intact from across the border. Yet no major incident of violence has occurred in the state, which is suggestive of dipping level of violence. Peaceful conduct of elections and a smooth Amarnath Yatra this year — these factors suggest that the security situation has improved," he asserted.

It was maintained that the terrorists were using latest technology, satellite phones and GPS system but the Army was well-prepared to tackle all threats posed to the security of nation.

On the question as which was the hot border, the reply was: "The borders, both with Pakistan and China, were hot. Yet with China all the disputes could be resolved amicably during flag meetings."

A senior Northern Command officer said claimed, "Around 26 infiltration attempts were foiled by the Army this year till date in the area of state under command yet the majority of attempts (25) were made in the Valley. So far 59 terrorists (majority in the Valley) were killed. Around 72 terrorists managed to infiltrate."

He stated that as a new deceptive ploy, they (terrorists) try to sneak in five to six groups from different places at a time.