New Delhi: The Centre on Friday issued a country- wide alert asking states to step up vigil to foil any attempt by Pakistan-based terror groups to avenge the surgical strike on their launch pads in PoK even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed security situation along the Indo-Pak border.
Security agencies were also apprehending stepped up action by militants currently operating in Jammu and Kashmir targeting security forces and civilians following surgical strike by special forces of the Army on seven terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK).
Security was strengthened at vital installations across Punjab and a high alert has been sounded at all airbases across the state while evacuation of people residing in villages along the International Border continued.
During the hour-long meeting with the country’s top security brass, Singh instructed the officials to ensure that the forces posted along the border remain on alert as the situation along the Indo-Pak border continues to be volatile, official sources said.
The Army, meanwhile, trashed reports in Pakistan about Indian casualties during the operation, saying one member of the special forces received minor injury during exfiltration but it was not due to any enemy or terrorist action.
The operation was a clinically planned one and the attack on the seven launch pads were carried out simultaneously, sources said.
The sources said it was a moonless night and total darkness helped the special forces bring in the element of surprise with total effectiveness.
It has been estimated that casualties was at least 40 on Pakistani side but there was no official confirmation.
Choppers also hovered over several sectors on the Indian side of the LoC to divert attention of the Pakistani security forces guarding various posts. There were unconfirmed reports that the operation has been videographed using drones. There have been satellite images of the operation as well, the sources said. In an advisory, the Home Ministry conveyed to the states that additional forces should be deployed in all sensitive places, strategic installations, markets, religious places and other key places to ensure security, the sources said keeping in mind the upcoming festive season.
Metro cities were particularly asked to be extra vigilant.
States touching the border with Pakistan — Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat — were also directed to remain vigilant.
Sources said there is high probability that Pakistani agencies may try to use the terror groups to carry out strike in Indian soil to avenge the attack.
The country’s top security brass briefed the Home Minister about the situation along the border and steps being taken to foil any Pakistani design to attack BSF posts besides safety of civilian population living in forward areas.
Those who attended the meeting include National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and top officials of security and intelligence agencies.
BSF, which comes under the Home Ministry, has already put all its units along the Indo-Pak border on “high alert”.
Orders have been issued to all its units along IB in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat to step up vigil and bolster their numbers at the posts by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve.
BSF has also restricted all civilian movement along borders with Pakistan. The border guarding force has also been asked by the Home Ministry to provide manpower to local administration for helping in evacuating people from border villages to safer locations.
People in border areas fear Pak reprisals
Arnia: In the wake of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control by the Indian Army, fear has gripped villagers living in border areas as they apprehend that Pakistan may target civilian areas.
The villagers, who live close to the International Border, have always been bearing the burnt of cross-border ceasefire violations. “We are a worried lot. Even though we are happy that Army conducted this surgical strike to eliminate terrorists across the Line of Control, but we are concerned that Pakistan might once again target the civilian areas here to avenge the surgical strikes,” former Sarpanch of the village said. Though the administration in the Jammu region has made “elaborate preparations” to counter any contingency and shift the people living in the vicinity of the LoC and IB to safer places, yet the residents fear that escalation between India and Pakistan would affect their livelihood. “Majority of the people here are farmers and earn their livelihood by it, but if the tension between the two sides escalate we might end up losing our only source of income,” Lal said.
The authorities have asked villagers to shift to “safer locations” in case there is a “crisis situation” along the border.
However, the people feel it difficult to leave their homes.
Similarly, in RS Pura sector of Jammu district, the situation is not different.
People are worried of the escalation between the neighbouring countries and they fear it might affect their livelihood as the harvesting season is at its peak. “Though the administration has informed us to remain cautious and whenever there is contingency they must shift to the safer locations, but majority of the people want to stay back in their homes as the farming season is at its peak right now,” a farmer of the Bera village Narinder Singh voiced his concern.
Authorities have kept Bana Singh Stadium ready to accommodate 1,000 people in case of any emergency.
Last night, over 100 people took shelter in the stadium. “Over 100 people took shelter here and in the morning and except the female members and children all the male members returned to their houses. Right now we are taking care of the female members and the children by providing them food and shelter.
The administration has made all preparations for their stay here,” Manager of the stadium Baljinder Pal Singh said.
Majority of the people who have taken shelter at the stadium come from Jora Farm village situated on the Zero Line which has reported casualties in the past in cross border firing.
Shameema Bi, a resident of the village, says they have also brought cattle with them, as, she says, in the past they have not only lost people but the livestock as well in firing by Pakistan.
“We will stay here until the authorities tell us that situation has improved,” she said.
Terrorists attack security picket
Srinagar: Militants on Friday attacked a security forces’ picket in Kulgam district of south Kashmir but no one was hurt in the incident, police said.
“Militants opened fire on a joint picket of Police and CRPF at Behibagh in Yaripora area of Kulgam district at around 5.00 pm,” a police official said. He said no one was hurt in the attack carried out by militants, who fled from the scene after firing.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched search operations to track down the assailants, he said.