Srinagar, Jun 21 (UNI) Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, Dilbag Singh on Monday asserted that a good number of foreign militants are present in Kashmir valley, and are keeping a low profile.
Meanwhile, the DGP said that strict vigil along the Line of Control (LoC) and adherence of ceasefire by Pakistan have had a positive impact on the situation in Kashmir valley.
'Two foreign militants have so far been killed in Sopore in north Kashmir district of Baramulla this year. Both were from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which clearly indicates that foreign militants are present in Kashmir. They (foreign militants) are lying low and keeping a distance,' Mr Singh told reporters during a press conference here.
The DGP said that infiltration along the LoC has been strictly kept under check this year. 'The adherence of ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan armies has had a positive impact on the situation in the valley. But, it would be wrong to claim that there are no foreign militants in the valley. They are here in good numbers. We have their details, and our operations in the coming days will target them,' he added.
Replying to a question about the number of active militants in Srinagar, he said currently there was no huge presence of ultras in the city. 'There are couple of people who are moving around the city and going to adjoining districts. But, we are tracking their movement,' he said.
The DGP said that it is not possible to filter every movement in a city like Srinagar. However, he assured that security forces will launch some more good operations in the city.
Giving details about the Sopore encounter, the DGP said three militants, including a top LeT commander and a foreigner, were killed in the gunfight. 'All three militants were wanted… One of them Mudasir Pandit, a top LeT commander, had 18 FIRs lodged against him in various police stations related to the killing of policemen and civilians,' he said.
Mr Singh said the foreigner, identified as Abdullah alias Asrar, was a Pakistani resident. 'Asrar was working with Pandit for a long time while the third militant, identified as Khursheed Ahmad Mir had six cases registered against him,' he said.
The DGP said that the group was also involved in two major attacks in Sopore. 'One on March 29 this year that left two Municipal Councilors and a policeman dead and the second on June 12, in which two policemen and as many civilians were killed at main market Sopore,' he added.
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