The floodlit international border in the RS Pura sector of Jammu district. Tribune File Photo

Tribune News Service

Jammu/Poonch, June 10

Heightened activity by nearly 15 suspected Pakistani militants on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC), opposite the Balakote sector of Poonch district, has been keeping the Army on its toes these days. “There has been increased activity in the Mathrenyni, Mora Shareef, Tarkundi Forward, Durooti, Balakote Forward and Lanjiote forward posts of Pakistan on the other side of the LoC opposite the Balakote sector. Movement of at least 14 or 15 ultras belonging to the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed in three or four groups has been observed,” said an Intelligence source.He said though there had been increased activity since May 15 this year opposite the Balakote sector, it had picked up momentum for the past nearly a week.“Commanding officers of three units deployed in the Balakote sector have been informed about possible intrusion bids by the Pakistani ultras. The Army has been closely monitoring the situation and adequate measures have been initiated,” said the source.“Backed by the Pakistan army, the ultras seem to be desperate to sneak into the Indian territory. In the past few days, three or four groups have been conducting reconnaissance of the area so as to sneak into the Indian territory,” he added.Following heightened activity on Pakistan’s side of the LoC, senior Army officers from the Rajouri-based 25 Infantry Division visited the Balakote sector recently for an on-the-spot review of the security grid, he added.“The Army is aware of the increased activity opposite Balakote and we have accordingly devised a strategy to outmaneuver them,” said an Army source.“Their job is to find ways and means to infiltrate and our job is to stop them and if they sneak in, then out job is to clear them. It is an ongoing game,” he added.In November last year, General Officer Commanding of the 16 Corps, which has the operational responsibility of the 224.5-km-long LoC, south of the Pir Panjal range, had put the figure of Pakistani militants in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to a maximum of 700 in 35 to 37  camps.“One could draw an inference from the reports that half of them (ultras) are in launching pads close to the LoC on PoK’s side,” he had said.