MHA Deploys Additional Troops in Kashmir After Terror Attack Threat From Pakistan; NSA Monitoring Situation

As many as 100 companies of paramilitary groups were deployed in the Kashmir valley after the security establishment confirmed the inputs about the Pakistan army-backed terrorist group's plan to execute a major attack on Indian soil.

New Delhi: Pakistan-based terrorist groups are planning to carry out a major attack in the Kashmir valley, prompting the government to rush additional troops to strengthen the counter-terrorist grid in the area.

After receiving inputs about the terrorist attack threat, NSA Ajit Doval held a meeting of counter-terrorism grid in Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation in the Kashmir valley. “After this assessment by the NSA, the government felt the need for deploying additional troops there,” top government sources said here. The Centre’s decision to deploy 100 more companies of paramilitary forces in J&K had fuelled rumour-mongering about ‘impending’ abrogation of Articles 35A and 370.

These two Articles of the Constitution give special status to the state. However, the security establishment has confirmed inputs that Pakistan army-backed terrorist groups are planning to carry out a major attack on Indian soil which is why 100 companies of paramilitary groups have been deployed in the Kashmir valley. The NSA has gone to Kashmir valley for a meeting with the top officials of the counter-terrorism grid. Inputs have been received by the security and spy agencies that after the successful conduct of Panchayat elections in the state, terrorist groups have been asked to carry out an attack on forces.

The peaceful conduct of Amarnath Yatra, which saw a record number of pilgrims pay obeisance at the holy shrine, has also irked the terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan and the ISI, sources said. After a considerable gap this year, Pakistani terrorist groups tried to infiltrate into the Indian territory yesterday in the Machhil sector but the attempt was foiled by the Indian Army.

In view of the threat perception, the security forces, including the Army and CRPF units, are maintaining the highest levels of vigil to foil any misadventure. NSA Ajit Doval is constantly in touch with the security agencies to monitor the situation and is keeping a close eye on developments in the state, sources added.