The Army says it has photographic evidence of functioning of terrorist training camps in Pakistan despite the Pakistan President, Pervez Mushharaf's claim about curbs on all terrorist activity directed against India. The Army also maintains infiltration attempts have continued unabated this year.
"The number of infiltration attempts foiled this year is the same as that of last year. There is no change in these attempts, both south and north of the Pir Panjal range. The Indian Army does not agree with Gen. Mushharaf's statement,'' said the Vice Chief of Army Staff, Shantonu Chaudhury, here today. "Terrorist training is continuing unchecked at camps, which have been reopened. We have photographic evidence to support our claim.''
The fencing, being installed near the line of control (LoC), was working as an obstacle in the 20 km stretch where it has been activated, some of it electrified. Though the fence is making infiltration difficult, an authentic assessment can take place only after four or five months after it is extended to more areas.
Gazi Baba's death had not led to an increased retaliation by militants. But the recent bomb attacks in Srinagar took a heavy toll of civilians. For instance, the killing of Kuka Parrey, a well-known name in the country. "We can reach a conclusion on the rate of incidents of terrorism after analysing the data over a sustained period of time. We have killed many top militant commanders like Gazi Baba."
Gen. Chaudhury admitted that the killing of several counter-insurgent leaders belonging to the Ikhwan-ul- Muslimeen was a setback "to the extent that it hurts to lose pro-India activists''. But they have been constantly targeted and the killing of Parrey and his comrade-in-arms Javed Shah should not be seen as a recent occurrence. Parrey's uncle and brother were killed some time ago.
"When you are in that environment, anybody who helps in counter-insurgency operations becomes a target. They must have been waiting for an opportunity to kill Parrey and did so when they got the chance.''
Territorial army
In a change of tack, the Army has sent a proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Security for setting up a territorial army (TA) battalion comprising exclusively of Ikhwanis. Plans to set up a battalion of Ikhwanis under army command are a part of the move to expand the TA. The General did not agree with the suggestion that recruiting Ikhwanis in the TA would alienate them from the local population. "They are local boys and are not anonymous. Their pro-India leaning is known. They are not operating like spies who go incognito.''
The Army Vice Chief had a word of
praise for the role played by paramilitary forces in counter-insurgency
operations in J&K's urban areas. "It is a difficult job because special
care is required while operating in heavily- populated areas. They have
done a commendable job and have a good success rate that includes the killing
of Gazi Baba.''