The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday warned of "large-scale terrorist attacks" in the state in the aftermath of abrogation of Article 370. "Credible inputs continue to be received regarding the likelihood of large-scale terrorist attacks, sponsored by forces inimical to the nation and from outside its borders. These terrorist attacks are meant not only to cause large-scale damage to life and property, but also create an atmosphere of fear and terror among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the vast majority of whom are peace-loving,’’ said Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal at a press conference, which was also attended by J&K Divisional Commissioner Baseer Khan, Inspector General of Police S.P. Pani, and director Information and Public Relations, in Srinagar.
Kansal said sustained attempts continue from across the border, both in the past and more so in the last two months, to promote militancy and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir to create a sense of fear and terror among the people and keep the place in a state of disturbed condition.
He added that banned organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen would continue to make attempts to "terrorise the people of Jammu and Kashmir". Anticipating the threat, restrictions were imposed so that externally-aided terrorism does not lead to loss of innocent lives, he explained. “It is a tribute, both to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to the security forces, that these measures have ensured that there is no unnecessary loss of life in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Since August 16, he clarified, there has been gradual removal of the restrictions and by the first week of September, most curbs were removed. “Barring eight to 10 police stations, movement restrictions have been completely removed. Over 99 per cent of the area of Jammu and Kashmir has no restrictions on movements currently,” he said.
At the same time, the government has acknowledged infiltration of 60 militants into Kashmir from Pakistan. Independent observers, however, believe that the number could be higher. The arrival of foreign militants has caused alarm in the security circles of Kashmir.
It is believed that the infiltrating militants could launch spectacular attacks in Kashmir in response to the revocation of Article 370. In view of the threat, security has been reinforced with the deployment of troops and raising of bunkers.
The government has also heightened the security in view of possible agitations by the people against the abrogation of Article 370 and downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory.
