After years of lying low, the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad is has taken the centre stage now. The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have also intercepted communications indicating possibility of major fidayeen attacks in the Valley around Eid-ul-Azha festivities beginning on 2 September. A high alert have been sounded in the Valley.
Jaish is believed to have no more than 40 terrorists in the valley and lags behind Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba in terms of manpower. However, Jaish is supposed to be more aggressive in strategy and audacious strikes.
The Jaish, which faced near extinction of its cadres in the Valley till recently, has made a quiet entry in recent months into south Kashmir.
Top army officer said the entry of Jaish-e-Mohammad would impact the overall security scenario in the region.
“They are better equipped, better committed and better trained than militants from other groups,” he said.
The sources in police told Mirror that Jaish terrorists operating in south Kashmir are believed to have infiltrated this year. Jaish-e-Mohammad has around a dozen terrorists in south Kashmir, who operate in three units, one of which moves around the fringes of Srinagar. Around 18 to 20 terrorists are hiding in North Kashmir. Abdul Mateen and Muhammad Bhai, both foreigners are believed to be commanding the Jaish in south Kashmir.
“After security forces have launched “Operation All Out” against terrorists, a majority of Hizbul and Lashker terrorists have gone into hiding after the killing of their six top commanders, including Bashir Lashkari, Abu Dujana, Junaid Matoo, Sabzar Bhat, Ayoub Lelhari, and Mehmood Gaznavi in the recent months,” the source further added.
Besides, top commanders, almost 132 terrorists, including locals were also killed in various encounters this year in the Valley, especially in southern districts of Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Anantnag.
The Inspector General of Police Kashmir Range Munir khan said that one or two groups of JeM are still operating in South Kashmir.
He said that after the District Police Lines Pulwama attack, security forces have to remain careful and increase the level of alertness.
Meanwhile, a four member team of NIA visited the Pulwama District Police lines today.
