State Times News
JAMMU: Even after the culmination of 40 day-long Amarnath Yatra, the security forces have been directed not to lower their guard, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to prevent any fresh terrorist strike on vital security installations.
Since the culmination of this year’s Yatra period is coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations, the security forces are expected to remain on their tenterhooks to prevent any major terror strike.
The security forces in South Kashmir districts are already upbeat as they have been able to eliminate large number of terrorist ‘commanders’ and local cadre of terror outfits. In comparison, they have not achieved similar successes in North Kashmir districts where large number of foreign terrorists are hiding and expected to launch fidayeen strikes as the peak winters approach.
According to highly placed official sources, “After studying fresh assessment of the intelligence agencies about the prevailing security situation, the Government has decided not to scale down the heavy security deployment on the crucial National Highway-44 stretch connecting Kashmir Valley to Ladakh even after the culmination of the Amarnath Yatra”.
Intelligence inputs suggest a possible terror strike on the convoys moving up and down the strategic highway before the onset of winter and closure of the route in remote areas due to snowfall.
The army has also decided to retain all the three battalions deployed along the highway in Kashmir Valley during the yatra period to stay put for “other activities” including providing security cover to a mammoth exercise of “winter stocking” and anti-terrorist operations, the sources added.
In the wake of ongoing standoff between India and China, the role of Pakistan army behind upping the ante against Indian forces in the region would be seen as an provocative act and invite strong retaliation.
In order to maintain operational preparedness in terms of adequate war fighting material in the backdrop of this ground situation, the Army has to undertake this exercise, officials said.
