Anti-infiltration grid tightened along LoC as winter looms - Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 18: As winter looms and snow is possibly about to blanket the high-altitude passes, anti-infiltration has been further strengthened and massive combing operations are underway along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

Senior officials of the Army said that infiltration attempts before snow blocks the passes are part of a strategy to exploit the last phase of favourable weather conditions before the harsh winter effectively seals traditional routes. “The infiltration activity remains unusually high in north Kashmir before snowfall blocks the passes,” said a senior Army officer stationed in north Kashmir. “These are deliberate, last-minute attempts to send in as many terrorists as possible before snow closes the mountain passes.”

In response to the increased activity, the Army and other security agencies have tightened the anti-infiltration grid along the LoC. “Additional troops have been deployed, and sophisticated surveillance equipment is being used to monitor every movement across the border,” said an official. “Despite poor visibility in some areas, the grid remains operational 24/7.”

The officer said that the Army’s intensified patrolling and deployment of advanced surveillance technology have already yielded results. “In several recent encounters near the LoC, attempts to breach the border were thwarted,” he said. “We have neutralised multiple infiltration attempts in the last two months.”

Senior Army officials in the know of developments said that massive combing operations are ongoing in areas suspected to have seen infiltration attempts. “Troops are scanning dense forests and mountainous areas near the LoC,” another senior Army officer said. “The terrain is challenging. Despite challenging terrain as well as weather conditions, we have made significant adjustments to counter tactics of terrorists to sneak in.”

The operations are being conducted with coordination between the Army, paramilitary forces, and l police. Drones and thermal imaging devices are playing a crucial role in tracking movement, especially during night-time, they added.

A senior police officer said here that the window for infiltration is closing rapidly as snow is expected to cover key mountain passes in the coming weeks. This natural barrier traditionally curbs the movement of both infiltrators and troops. “The snow will work to our advantage,” he said. “But until then, we cannot afford to lower our guard.”

Over the years, the officer said, “Pakistan-based terror groups have timed their infiltration attempts with the seasons. These groups are trying to maximize their numbers before winter sets in.”

He said that security forces would not allow them to.

“Any successful infiltration could lead to increased terror activity in the Valley during the winter months,” the police officer said. “Our focus remains on ensuring that not a single terrorist infiltrates and disrupts the hard-earned peace in Kashmir.”