The Border Security Forces (BSF) in on high alert across the Line of Control (LoC), in view of the increased infiltration attempts by terrorists as winter sets in. Terrorists stationed at launch pads across the LoC are preparing to infiltrate into Kashmir before the cold season, a senior BSF officer has warned.
With snowfall expected to close infiltration routes in the coming months, security agencies are bracing for heightened attempts. Inspector General (IG) of BSF Kashmir Frontier, Ashok Yadav, said militant activity typically spikes ahead of snowfall as terror groups try to take advantage of the limited operational window.
Why does infiltration increase before snowfall?
“There are always attempts to infiltrate before snowfall,” news agency PTI reported, citing Yadav. “There are still about two months, and chances of infiltration are there till November because they know they will have lesser chances for the next six months. So, they always attempt to infiltrate, but because of the alertness of the forces, it is very difficult to infiltrate.”
The IG underlined that these attempts are part of a recurring pattern, with terrorists aiming to slip into the Valley before mountain passes and infiltration routes become inaccessible.
Where are the terror launch pads active?
According to the paramilitary force, militants are positioned at launch pads opposite the Bandipora and Kupwara sectors. “There is a presence of terrorists on the launch pads across the LoC opposite our AOR (area of responsibility) in the Bandipora and Kupwara sectors,” Yadav shared.
He added that they are waiting for an opportunity to infiltrate, but the security is very tight. Sometimes they wait for inclement weather to make a move.
How are security forces countering the threat?
The BSF and the Army have stepped up surveillance and area domination along the LoC to prevent infiltration. “Along with the Army, we are dominating the LC very well,” Yadav said, noting that forces are using modern surveillance systems and new operational methods to strengthen the grid.
Security forces have already foiled two infiltration bids this year. “It is very difficult to infiltrate our AOR because of the alertness with which we perform our duties and the new methodology and new surveillance equipment that we have,” the IG stated further.