Infiltration, threat to security scenario in Valley: Army

Srinagar: Army`s top commander in Kashmir on Wednesday said infiltration was a threat to the security scenario in the valley but the security agencies were working in a coordinated manner to take on the challenge.

"Infiltration threat is there. There are training camps and launch pads which are active (in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir). We have effective intelligence in place. "We have got a synergised intelligence grid with all the agencies and we will take on the challenge," General officer Commanding of Army`s 15 Corps Lt General Gurmit Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function. Lt Gen Singh lauded the efforts of the troops along the Line of Control (LoC) saying their alertness ensured that the infiltration attempt by militants to sneak into Kashmir through Keran sector of Kupwara was foiled. "It was because the troops were alert that the attempt to infiltrate in Keran sector was foiled and five terrorists were eliminated," he said. The Corps Commander said there is excellent synergy between the various security forces operating in Kashmir to counter the challenges with regard to security scenario. "We also have the support of the people who assist us in intelligence gathering process. Jammu and Kashmir police also has got an excellent intelligence network," he added. Asked about the number of militant training camps and launch pads active on other side of LoC, he said the numbers did not matter as effective intelligence would help in overcoming the challenge. "I would not like to go into the number of training camps and launch pads. What is of importance to me is to have intelligence about the intentions, capability and plans of the militants. I am satisfied with the intelligence efforts we have produced. The operation in Keran sector is an indication that intelligence system is in place," he said. In response to another question, Lt Gen Singh said the security situation in Kashmir is under control. "Our entire counter infiltration methodology and procedures and drill are being executed well". Lt Gen Singh said army has learnt its lessons from the militant attack in Hyderpora area of the city last month in which eight soldiers were killed. "It was an unfortunate incident. We have also learnt our lessons and you would notice that Hyderpora is intense built up area. You would appreciate that the soldiers exercised utmost restraint, there was no collateral damage. "There are some standard operating procedures we have identified. The court of Inquiry (into the incident) is going on. There are certain areas of intelligence we are trying to focus," he added. On revocation of Armed Forces Special Forces Act (AFSPA), he said "we have made our stand known to the higher authorities." PTI