500 Terrorists Waiting at LoC Camps in PoK to Sneak into J&K: Army

An Indian Army soldier near the Line of Control. Image used for representational purposes. 

(Photo: Reuters)

Nearly 500 terrorists are waiting in various training camps along the Line of Control in Pak-occupied Kashmir, looking for opportunities to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir, a top Army officer said on Friday.

Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh also said that 200 to 300 terrorists are operating in the hinterland of J&K to keep the region in turmoil with Pakistan’s support.

"As far as militants operating within Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, 200 to 300 terrorists, who have come here, joined militants here," he told reporters.

Singh made these comments in response to reporters' questions about the number of militants operating in J&K and those in PoK ready to infiltrate into the country.

"Like this, nearly 500 terrorists are staged in terrorists' training camps in PoK and are ready to infiltrate into J&K," said Lt Gen Singh.

He said these figures keep changing as per their training schedule.

‘Pakistan Tries to Do Mischief’: Commander

“Whatever be the number, we are capable to stop and eliminate them to ensure peace and normalcy in this region,” he added.

The Army commander said it is always their endeavour to ensure peace and normalcy in J&K.

"But Pakistan keep trying to do some mischief to disturb the peace here. Even today terror infrastructure is being run within Pakistan (by its forces and agencies). These include training as launching pads for terrorists to infiltrate into the country," he added.

He said Pakistan continues to keep terrorists armed to the teeth and provide all types of support to them.

Replying to a question about the possibility of arms being dropped via drones in Junjab by Pakistan, he confirmed that the deployment of drones to arm terrorists is part of the new modus operandi of Pakistan.

"But I want to ensure you that Indian Army is capable and determined to foil Pakistan's any unholy design. Their designs will not be allowed to succeed, [sic]" he said.