Jamp;K sends SOS for troops

NEW DELHI, MAY 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has urgently requisitioned paramilitary forces to fill the dangerous vacuum' left by...

NEW DELHI, MAY 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has urgently requisitioned paramilitary forces to fill the dangerous vacuum8217; left by the sudden withdrawal of two Army brigades from Kashmir for operations in Kargil.

Home Ministry sources told The Indian Express that an exercise was underway to mobilise additional troops for Kashmir to thwart the possible spurt in insurgency in Kashmir. The plan is likely to be finalised by tomorrow and the reinforcement for anti-insurgency operations is to be sent within a few days.

Meanwhile, sources said an elaborate strategy was being planned to sustain a possible prolonged operation in Kargil against a group of nearly 400 to 500 infiltrators who were lodged atop three summits overlooking the main highway and townships in Kargil. Troops along the Line of Control and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir have been alerted against a possible flare-up.

The infiltrators, sources said, had lodged themselves in the snow-clad hills about three months ago.They are said to have dug trenches and built bunkers for safety against air strikes. Their presence was discovered by local villagers in Mushko valley during a routine visit and reported to the Army.

The troops had been moved to Kargil for a possible ground attack after the strafing, sources said.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Government is reported to have sought the Centre8217;s help in tackling problems arising out of the influx of refugees who have left their homes in panic after Pakistani shells landed in villages and towns across Kargil and Drass.

An estimated 25,000 people have moved to the interiors while the Army is reported to have evacuated more villagers before launching air strikes today.

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Following last year8217;s shelling by Pakistan in Kargil, the Centre had allocated funds for laying underground shelters for residents after suggestions for relocating the entire town were rejected. However, as the movement of traffic on the Leh-Srinagar highway was hampered by incessant shelling, thetransportation of tin sheets and other building material to the town for underground shelters was delayed.

The townsfolk mostly stayed with relatives or in makeshift residences and their lives were disturbed throughout the year.

Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Governor Girish Chandra Saxena, accompanied by senior officers of the Jamp;k government, held marathon sessions with Home Ministry officials to work out contingency plans. Abdullah cut his visit short in view of planned air strikes on the mercenaries8217; positions and left the Director General of Police and Home Commissioner behind to finalise the plans.