Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, beginning September 18, the threat of terror looms over the electoral process. Sources say the intelligence agencies have issued five alerts to security forces based on recent increased movements of terrorists armed with modern weapons.
An alert has also been issued for the upcoming Kailash Kund pilgrimage. Agencies have shared credible inputs, warning of possible large-scale attacks by terrorists to disrupt peace and normalcy in the region during these key events.
Terror threat over assembly elections
According to sources, terrorists are planning major disruptions during the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir elections. The three-phase voting will be held from September 18 to October 1 and the results will be declared on October 8. These attacks could specifically target workers of prominent political parties. Armed with AK-47 rifles and hand grenades, terrorists are planning to cause widespread chaos. The inputs also suggest that security forces and police establishments could also be primary targets during the election period.
Alerts based on recent terrorist movement
Kupwara
On August 29 around 10 AM, suspicious movement by two persons was picked up by forces in Tangdhar Karna village of Kupwara district. The suspects were found to have been armed with AK-series rifles and hand grenades. The inputs shared said they were plotting attacks on security force installations and checkpoints in the area.
Tangmarg
On the same day, intelligence agencies received reports of three suspected terrorists seen in an orchard in Mughalpore, Tangmarg village. Their movement was later tracked toward Sheikhpura. The militants are believed to be planning attacks on political party workers, non-local residents, and security convoys in the lead-up to the elections.
Foreign-based terrorists in Kulgam
On August 30, inputs revealed that two foreign-based, accompanied by local over-ground workers (OGWs), had infiltrated the Malwan forest area of Kulgam district. Dressed in traditional Pathani attire and carrying backpacks, they are armed with automatic weapons and may target security vehicles and minority communities residing in Kulgam.
Anantnag
On September 1, three terrorists, including two foreign-based, were seen in Jalota Gadol village of Anantnag district. The group was dressed in a salwar-kameez attire and armed with advanced weaponry. Local youth, dressed in track suits, were also spotted with them, moving towards the forests of Lohar Sanzi in Anantnag.
Kailash Kund yatra under threat
Intelligence reports have indicated a possible terror plot against the Kailash Kund Yatra, which begins from the Duddu police station area in the Udhampur district of the Jammu division. Terrorists are believed to be gathering information on the pilgrimage, intending to disrupt the event and create chaos during the religious procession.
Security ramped up
In light of these alerts, security agencies are on high alert and surveillance has been increased besides tightened security measures in vulnerable areas. The possibility of large-scale attacks during the elections has raised concerns among political parties, as their workers could be potential targets. Additionally, extra precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Kailash Kund Yatra, which has also been flagged as a terror target.