Terror attack plans in J&K foiled

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2019, intelligence agencies have intercepted plans of a series of attacks allegedly being planned in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) between April 5 and 9, sources in the Intelligence Bureau stated.

"As per intercept inputs, JeM has planned attacks targeting Batwara Chowk in Srinagar," said the source, adding that further inputs revealed JeM's plan to execute another terror attack sometime between April 5 and 9. The attacks target Srinagar city and the national highway in J&K.

The intelligence bureau has shared a terror attack alert with security forces. They have been directed to "sensitise and brief under command troops to keep extra vigil and alertness to avoid any untoward incident".

J&K will go to polls in five phases from April 11 to May 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. Assembly elections are likely to be held after the LS polls.

Last week, an attempt was made to target a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Banihal through a car bomb. While a CRPF bus suffered minor damage, fortunately, there was no casualty. It was like a re-run of the Pulwama attack.

At 10:30 am, a civilian car (Santro) exploded near Banihal while the convoy was passing by. "The car caught fire and the rear of a CRPF vehicle suffered slight damage. However, no CRPF personnel were injured," said a senior CRPF officer. The car was totally gutted. An intact gas cylinder and a damaged gas cylinder were found near the blast site.

A letter recovered from the scene had identified the driver as a Hizbul Mujahideen operative, who mentioned his intention to carry out a February 14 Pulwama-type terror attack. The Pulwama attack killed 40 CRPF personnel after a terrorist of the JeM drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy.

Also, recently after taking stock of the situation in the valley, the Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed additional 800 para-military forces.

Additional Security Deployed

• J&K will go to polls in five phases from April 11 to May 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. Assembly elections are likely to be held after the LS polls
• Recently after taking stock of the situation in the valley, the Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed additional 800 para-military forces