Afghans settle near LoC to boost militancy

Afghans settle near LoC to boost militancy
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 12: Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence has reportedly got hundreds of Afghan mercenaries settled close to Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the October 12 Army takeover, a move seen as an indicator of the military regime's plans to increase infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir for militant activities.

The way for the settlement of Afghans along one-km belt near the LoC has been paved by evacuating the local populace in Bagh Tehsil, Kotli, Nikial and Balnoi areas of PoK, according to intelligence sources. ``The belt is being used for launching militant groups into J&K,'' the intelligence sources said, adding the services of Pakistan's ex-servicemen were also used for these activities.

Stating that the process of settling the Afghans near the LoC started soon after the military takeover in Pakistan, they said, ``It is evident from the action that the General Pervez Musharraf regime wants the proxy war to intensify.'' The reports assume significance sincetwo militant groups active in Jammu and Kashmir Lashkar-e-Toiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen have very recently announced their plans to increase their activities in the coming days and months.

Lashkar-e-Toiba last week asked its `mujahideen' in the state to further intensify their attacks on Army installations during the holy month of Ramzan which began on Friday. Lashkar chief Hafiz Muhammad Sayeed, in a message to his activists, had asked them to increase their activities since Ramzan was the `month of jehad' (Holy War).

Another militant group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen had announced earlier it would repeat the Kargil episode by sending its activists across the LoC to capture strategic heights. The ``Second Kargil Campaign'' would be undertaken immediately after snow melts there, Harkat chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khaleel had announced at a press conference in Hazira in PoK. The Afghans have been settled in increasing numbers opposite Rajouri, Poonch and Doda districts of J&K, obviously with an intention topush them across through these areas at any opportunity for militant activities.

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to stop abetting terrorism for any bilateral talks to begin. Lashkar and Harkat are among the six militant groups active in J&K and mostly comprise foreign mercenaries. Other groups active in the state are Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen, Al Badr, Hizbul Mujahideen and Islamic Front.