Army officials report a significant decline in infiltration attempts from Kashmir’s Hafruda forests, which were previously a preferred route for terrorists. The picturesque pathways of the Hafruda forest range, adorned with thick kail and pine trees, were once exclusively traversed by infiltrators. However, due to the concerted efforts of the security forces and a decrease in encounters or armed conflicts, peace and serenity are now within reach once again.
Situated in the Shamshabari mountain range, the region linking Tanghdar, Keran, and Nowgam sectors was previously a frequent passage for militants, particularly foreign individuals, to traverse the Line of Control (LoC) and proceed towards Sopore, Bandipora, or Srinagar. However, the forests no longer serve as hiding spots, eliminating their previous use by these individuals.
The army’s patrol maintains vigilant surveillance over the forests, closely monitoring any signs of militant presence. Despite conducting frequent searches, they have yet to discover any evidence. As time passes, the locals are growing more skeptical, questioning the validity of the reported inputs, which they suspect may have been nothing more than a hoax.
According to a forest department employee, the military conducted an extensive search in the forests and nearby villages but found no evidence. It is possible that the information they received was false. Nowadays, the forests are peaceful, and individuals can explore them without any concerns. Even the patrol parties no longer disturb people.
According to officials, the upcoming months carry significant importance as the number of active militants in the Valley continues to decrease. This period presents an opportunity for infiltrators to carry out attacks, prompting army units to maintain a vigilant stance along the Line of Control (LoC) and nearby villages. In addition to employing electronic surveillance, the forces heavily rely on human intelligence. Presently, the situation remains stable in the region, as reported by an army officer.
“The soldier on alert is due to the intact condition of the launching pads,” explained an army officer serving in north Kashmir. He further stated, “Throughout this year, we have witnessed multiple infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC), but our vigilant efforts have successfully thwarted them.”
Two attempted infiltrations were successfully prevented in the northern region of Kashmir last month, specifically in the Uri and Machil sectors. Furthermore, security forces effectively thwarted similar infiltration attempts and eliminated a militant near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district in North Kashmir during the months of March and February.
Since the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in 2021, there has been a noticeable decline in infiltration attempts in the north Kashmir region. However, according to officials, the illicit smuggling of drugs continues to persist on a regular basis.
Officials express concerns over heightened infiltration activity during the months of June, July, and August, as historical data indicates that these months witness the highest number of infiltration bids. Additionally, the presence of snow blankets on the mountains in northern Kashmir, which traditionally serve as infiltration routes, adds to their apprehensions. However, once the snow clears out, officials anticipate a potential surge in infiltration attempts.
