The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last week by members of the Jaish-e-Mohammad was a clear indicator that Pakistan is upping the ante.

After failing repeatedly on several international platforms to rake up the Jammu and Kashmir issue, Pakistan has started showing signs of desperation. Further, there are also indications that Pakistan, despite using its influence, has not succeeded in convincing various countries as a result of which it would remain on the Grey List.

Bracing for terror:

An Intelligence Bureau report sent by MyNation says that in the months to come, there would be a big push by Pakistan to send in as many terrorists as possible into the Valley. Nearly 50 highly trained terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad are waiting to cross over and take position in Jammu and Kashmir.

This is owing to the fact that the Army has wiped out the entire JeM leadership in the Valley. The top leadership was wiped out following the killing of Qari Yasir. He was the one responsible for the killing of the two members from the nomadic Gujjar community from Pulwama in August last year. The killing of Yasir was confirmed by 15 Corps Commander, Lt. General KJS Dhillon, who said that the JeM leadership was wiped out.

The IB report however adds that these developments have made Pakistan desperate and all attempts would be made to push as many terrorists as possible into the Valley.

Targeting vital installations:

On Friday last, the security forces gunned down three JeM terrorists at a toll plaza near Nagrota. These terrorists had come well prepared and had planned on engaging the forces in a long stand-off.

They had also planned on targeting vital installations. These terrorists had on them AK-47 rifles, RDX, magazines and grenades, indicating that they were planning a massive attack in the Valley.

The Intelligence Bureau report while speaking about large scale infiltrations also states that the JeM is planning to hit vital installations. They want to create panic and fear in the Valley and want to ensure that the pains that the government and Army have taken to restore normalcy in the Valley is derailed, the report also says.

Desperation showing:

In the aftermath of Article 370 being abrogated, Pakistan has gone to several international forums and complained about the decision. However, Pakistan has been snubbed by all except China and it was stated clearly that this was India’s internal matter.

The leadership in Pakistan is under immense pressure both internally and internationally to first act against its terrorists. Pakistan has petitioned several countries after stringent warnings were issued about its role in terror funding.

It has been found that Pakistan has not done enough to curtail terror funding. This would mean that its requests have gone in vain and Pakistan would remain on the Grey List for some more time.

With Pakistan’s agenda not working, it has started showing signs of desperation. Hence it would look to up the ante in both Jammu and Kashmir as well as Punjab in the months to come. The intelligence agencies have in this regard warned that Pakistan would indulge in a lot of mis-adventurism.

Up to the challenge:

Friday’s attack could have been much worse had there not been concrete intelligence. It was found that terrorists off late have been hitching rides on trucks. Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbagh Singh said that terrorists have been using a similar modus operandi in recent times.

The surveillance on the trucks on the highway is extremely high. It was thorough intelligence and seamless coordination that ensured that the three terrorists were finished off in quick time, before they could cause more damage.

Further, in a bid to prevent infiltrations, India is erecting a new steel fence along both the Pakistan and Bangladesh border. These are non-cut steel fences, which will help plug vulnerable and infiltration probe patches along the border. This fence would cost around Rs 2 crore per kilometre. It is being tested at a 7 kilometre stretch in Silchar along the Bangladesh border.

Based on the feedback of these projects, new fences would be erected at more places. Home Ministry sources say that it has advanced a new technology-based project to deploy laser fences along the borders. The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System entails deployment of smart fences. These are attached with advanced surveillance gadgets and anti-infiltration alarms. This would make it extremely difficult for terrorists to infiltrate. The project which was to be completed in 10 years will now be done within five years, the Home Ministry official also confirmed.