NEW DELHI: Terrorists suspected of having infiltrated into Indian territory last month may carry out terror strikes to disrupt Amarnath Yatra, which will begin on July 2, Intelligence agencies warned security forces after the Pampore ambush on Saturday.
A group of Lashkar-e-Fidayeen had attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy killing 8 personnel and injuring 22 others.
The CRPF has deployed around 38 companies and 3,800 personnel to secure an annual 48-day annual pilgrimage that will start from two routes — Baltal in Ganderbal and Chandanwari in Anantnag district.
The intelligence input said that the level of violence against the Security Forces is likely to increase in the coming days and terrorists may carry out attacks targeting political workers. The intelligence alert has warned of the presence of terrorists along the National Highway. A lone fidayeen had attacked the State police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel at joint Naka near Kud on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on June 13.
Although, terrorist Tanveer Sultan was neutralised by security forces, the intelligence agencies warned of other terrorists strengthening hold in Awantipora, National Highway, Zainapora and Jamnagri.
“Spurt in local recruitment added by massive infiltration sponsored by Pakistan this year resulted in several attacks targeting security forces. It is a known fact that such massive infiltration is taking place with tacit support of the Pakistan Army and ISI. The pattern is very clear, they are recruited, financed and facilitated by Pakistan state actors. The ambush on security forces convoy also remains a major point of concern,” a source said.
According to top security forces officials, a high level meeting at North Block on Tuesday decided for headhunting of terrorists and forces has been told to target the terrorist commanders operating in the Valley.
A source said Abu Dujana, a Lashkar Commander and suspected mastermind of several attacks on security forces, is on top of the forces hit list.
Dujana is said to be operating in Pulwama, Pampore and Budgam. Dujana is aided by Majid Zargar, who, according to source, was recently spotted in Quimoh, a small town in Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir.