Centre admits around 50 militants infiltrate into J and K

New Delhi, Apr 22 (PTI) Indian governmet Wednesday
admitted that around 50 terrorists had infiltrated into the
forntier state of Jammu and Kashmir through the Gurez sector
and said the entire security apparatus was alert to ensure
peaceful general elections in the border state.

The extent of the infiltration was given by the Home
Ministry while dismissing as "grossly exaggerated" reports
that 158 terrorists had sneaked into the state through the
Gurez sector in North Kashmir.

A Home Ministry spokesperson said "inputs about
infiltration were received from different sources and
periodically, various security agencies sit together to make a
realistic assessment of the extent of infiltration.

"According to the current assessment, the level of
infiltration is a third of the figures that have been
mentioned in the reports," the spokesperson said in a release.

"The entire security apparatus is fully alert and
geared up to foil any designs of the militants, and ensure
peaceful polls in the state," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said it was a fact there were attempts
to infiltrate militants into the state though the number has
steadily declined.

Recently, there were reports suggesting that efforts are
being made by the agencies and organisations across the border
to step up infiltration.

Utmost vigilance is being maintained in this regard by
the security forces and agencies concerned, and there have
been a number of successful interdictions in the recent past.

The spokesperson said the exaggerated media reports may
create a fear psychosis ahead of general elections and the
coming tourist season in the state.

Earlier Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told reporters
that the reports had appeared at a time when assembly polls
had been held peacefully in the state and tourism was picking
up.

He said efforts to infiltrate from across the border
were made even before the melting of the snow and stern action
has been taken against terrorists while ensuring minimum
collateral damage to civilians.

He said at any point of time, infiltration is a matter
of assessment by different agencies and some times there was
duplication too. The Multi Agency Centre (MAC) conducts
periodic assessment.

Recently, a high level meeting was held to review the
situation and security agencies were directed to be alert and
vigilant to foil any such attempts. PTI ACB