Large Number of Militants Waiting to Cross Kashmir : Indian Army

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Oct 4: A senior Indian army officer claimed today that a large number of militants were waiting in the launching pads across the border to infiltrate into Kashmir.

General Officer Commanding (GoC) Victor Force, Major General Rajinder Singh said the army received intelligence inputs that a large number of militants were moved to launching pads across the border to be pushed into Kashmir to carry out violent acts. "The militants in the launching pads close to the border are awaiting for the appropriate time to cross into this side of Kashmir", he said.

He said the security apparatus along the vulnerable points along the frontiers with Pakistan has been beefed up to thwart any attempts by militants to cross into Kashmir. "The strength of security personnel has been strengthened along the borders and round the clock vigil is being maintained", he said.

Major General said the army wants to end militancy in Kashmir so that peace can return to the Valley. "But some people are still supporting the militants and this is the reason why militants are still able to survive", the GOC said. He urged people not to support the militants. "If people refuse to support militants, the militants would die on their own", he added.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.