Pak-based terror outfits planning to target forces, govt installations in J-K: Intel inputs

New Delhi, Oct 29:
Pakistan-based terror groups may target security forces and government installations in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days to create a prolonged hostage-like situation to draw international attention, according to intelligence inputs. Quoting the inputs, officials said the information has also indicated about plans of terrorists belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen to target security personnel in the general areas of Zonakar, Rainawari, Safakadal and Dharamshal in Srinagar district. According to the intelligence inputs, terrorists are likely to target installations of the security forces and government offices in Srinagar with an aim to create a prolonged hostage-like situation to draw international attention, the officials said. Likelihood of grenade attacks on security forces in a district headquarters town to create fear psychosis and threaten civilian authorities outside the mini secretariat in another district have also been reported. Terrorist outfits have been using posters in various parts of the Kashmir Valley to disseminate threat messages to scare shopkeepers against defying call for a shutdown. The Hizbul Mujahideen has warned fruit traders, truck drivers, government and bank officials of dire consequences if the call for shutdown was not adhered to, another official said. According to the inputs, one of the airfields — Awantipora, Srinagar or Rangreth in the Kashmir Valley — could be targets of possible attacks by some foreign terrorists. Security agencies are on high alert
Pak-based terror
since August 5 when the Centre abrogated provisions of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into union territories, which will come into being on October 31. It says the state government employees will be able to “seek option” to serve in either of the two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and this transfer will be “determined” by the Lt Governor. The Act says the “Central government shall have the power to review any of its orders issued under this section”. It also talks about the future of the public service commission that will function in the two UTs and recruit provincial service officials for the administration. The Public Service Commission for the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir shall, on and from the appointed day, be the Public Service Commission for the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Public Service Commission, with the approval of the President, shall serve the needs of the Union Territory of Ladakh.The central government on August 5 had announced the abrogation of the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two UTs Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.