Relentless operations by the security forces in the hinterland have apparently forced three terrorist outfits, namely, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to join hands to launch more strikes on vital security installations across the State.

General Officer in Command, Northern Command Lt Gen D Anbu on Wednesday confirmed that all these terrorist outfits are hand- in-glove and planning attacks in the State. He said the Army is well equipped and prepared to foil their nefarious designs.

Addressing the press conference after an impressive investiture ceremony in Udhampur-based Northern Command headquarters GoC-in-C Northern Command said, “All three terrorist outfits, namely HM, JeM and LeT, are hand-in-glove whether it is in the Valley or in Jammu and there is no differentiation as they keep jumping from one ‘tanzeem’ to another”.

He said, “Anybody who picks up arms and is against the State, he is a terrorist and we will deal with them suitably as the Army knows how to tackle them.” The Army commander claimed if all these three terrorist outfits are going to share their resources it is going to be a concern which we need to really take care of.

The Army Commander also reacted strongly to certain comments made by politicians on soldiers killed in the Sunjuwan terror attack.

“We do not communalise martyrs, those making statements don’t know the Army well,” Lt. Gen. Anbu said.

Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi Tuesday asked why those questioning the patriotism of Muslims were silent over the deaths of Muslim soldiers in the Sunjuwan Army camp terror attack. The officer said the youth joining militant ranks in the Kashmir Valley continued to be a matter of concern.

He said the social media is like a ‘time bomb’ and had been used extensively to spread separatist sentiment among the youth.

Meanwhile, commenting on the steps initiated to beef up the security of vital security installations after the attack on URI army camp Lt-Gen Anbu said “so far we have spent Rs 364 crore on different heads to build up our security of the softer elements which are behind”.

The senior army officer also claimed when we need more boots on the borders to defend our borders it becomes difficult to secure large number of army units spread across the country.

He said steps are afoot to beef up their security. It cannot be done immediately. We have prioritised vital security installations and work is going on.These installations are not only being secured physically but also with installation of gadgets. However, on registration of FIR against Major Aditya, he said, “the matter is sub-judice but it will not let down the morale of the troops.” On continuous ceasefire violations and number of Pakistani soldiers killed across the border while quoting the media reports, the Army Commander said, “as per reports 192 Pak soldiers were killed in Indian retaliation but as per our inputs, the figure is even higher.” The GOC-in-C also said that there is direct role of Pak Army in planning attacks on Indian army.