surgical strikes

Lashkar-e-Taiba

"avenge" the surgical strikes

Security beefed up across LoC

New Delhi: The government believes at least 250 terrorists belonging to three Pakistan-based terror groups are active in the Kashmir valley and they could target security forces to 'avenge' thecarried out by the Army across the Line of Control (LoC).Quoting intelligence inputs, top government sources said that most of the 250 terrorists belonging to, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen had infiltrated before the surgical strikes and were hiding here.They said the terrorists have been given clear instructions by their handlers across the border to target security forces toThe central government has asked security forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir to maintain maximum alertness and take all precautions to foil any attempt by the militants to target them.Sources said even though vigil along the LoC as well as the international border was intensified, there were gaps in many places due to the difficult topography. Army, BSF, CRPF and J&K Police have also stepped up search for the terrorists.It is believed that some 100 terrorists are waiting across the border to infiltrate, as was first reported by TOI last week.Security forces have killed more than 40 terrorists in the last one month while they were trying to infiltrate or attack the bases of Army and other security forces. Since the attack on the Army's Uri camp which killed 19 soldiers, terrorists have made several attempts in Baramulla, Pampore and Handwara.According to sources, LeT suffered maximum damage in the cross-LoC surgical strikes carried out by the Army with radio intercepts indicating that around 20 of its militants were killed.The intercepts revealed that LeT suffered maximum damage at Dudniyal launch pad in PoK , opposite Kupwara sector of north Kashmir, sources said.