High alert on R-Day

As usual, a high alert remained sounded on the eve of Republic Day from the borders to cities, towns and villages to foil any attempt by the Pak-sponsored terrorists to create trouble on this side of the IB and the LoC. Borders troops and cops remained deployed all along the borders and on the possible infiltration routes of the Pak-based terrorists. The Tawi bed, which was being used by the terrorists to reach Jammu city from the IB, was also under the police scanner. Heavy deployments had been on it and cops were put on high alert to pick up any suspicious movement. The border troops too had laid multiple ambushes at several places to gun down terrorists in case they try to sneak into the Indian territory. Because of the rogue Pakistan, Indian festivals are being celebrated under the shadow of gun for the past over two decades now because of the reason that terrorists always try to strike on such occasions to draw attention of international community towards them. It has been observed with regret that before Republic Day and other such national festivals of India, Pakistan resorts to heavy shelling and firing, targeting forward Indian posts and villages just to push terrorists into India under the cover of fire. The alert Indian troops, however, hardly give them any chance to come to this side of the border. Last year, troops had killed over 70 infiltrating terrorists while foiling several intrusion bids from across the LoC. Since India understands well the Pak strategy, troops are further put on high alert soon after its forces resort to unprovoked fire on the forward Indian posts and villages. Official sources said security all along the IB and the LoC had been further beefed up, following intelligence inputs that several armed terrorists were camping in the forward Pak areas to infiltrate into the Indian territory for the purpose of creating disturbance on the eve of Republic Day.

The border patrols too had picked up the movement of three to four terrorists across the IB, subsequently leading to a red alert all along the border. Police too has been put on high alert. The main reason behind the ceasefire violations and firing by Pakistan is to provide cover to terrorists waiting to infiltrate into the Indian territory, accordingto IGP (Jammu region) SDS Jamwal. Apart from enhancing night vigil in the border areas, police have also asked the border residents to remain alert and contact forces in case they happen to pick up any suspicious movement in their respective villages. In the past also, alertness on the part of border residents has led to the arrest and killing of the infiltrating terrorists. Five terrorists were shot dead by troops in a gun battle at Tumbar Khoo near Bhalwal here a decade or so back on the basis of information provided by locals.

Bazigar boys had also helped cops to arrest the two Pakistani terrorists who had entered India from Kanhachak area. Vigil definitely helps CI forces to maintain pressure on terrorists and other anti-national elements.