New Delhi, July 16: Lashkar e Taiba is exploring water routes to infiltrate terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir after tightened border security made land infiltration increasingly difficult, according to intelligence inputs. Officials said the terror outfit is working with Pakistan’s ISI to assess river and coastal routes for future infiltration attempts.
Since Operation Sindoor, several infiltration attempts through land borders have reportedly failed due to enhanced security along the Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab borders.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the outfit believes water routes could offer better chances of evading security forces. However, officials stressed that such infiltration would remain highly challenging because of strengthened surveillance.
Officials said the Chenab and Tawi rivers in the Jammu sector are among the routes under examination. The Akhnoor sector remains sensitive because terrorists have previously attempted to cross the International Border using river channels, dense vegetation, fog and darkness.
Intelligence agencies believe the group’s objective is to deploy between 50 and 100 active Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Once inside, they would reportedly hide in forested areas and await operational instructions.
Security agencies are also monitoring possible infiltration through Sir Creek and Harami Nala along the Gujarat coast. Officials said these difficult to patrol areas have been used for infiltration attempts in the past. If terrorists enter through Gujarat, they could attempt to reach Jammu and Kashmir by road.
Intelligence inputs also indicate that prospective infiltrators are receiving specialised maritime training. Officials said the training is reportedly taking place at Mangla Dam, where the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were also trained. According to the inputs, Pakistan’s ISI has allegedly assigned naval personnel to assist with the programme.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that international borders are being secured through watercraft, speedboats, floating border outposts and advanced surveillance systems, including day and night vision equipment, to strengthen border monitoring.
Officials said security agencies remain alert to any attempt by Lashkar e Taiba to revive its activities in Jammu and Kashmir through alternative infiltration routes.
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