On June 13, National Security Advisor MK Narayanan made a quiet visit to Srinagar, accompanied by Army chief General JJ Singh.
NEW DELHI: The government is making an extensive assessment of the situation in Kashmir including infiltration from Pakistan side in the run up to the possible visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Islamabad.
On June 13, National Security Advisor MK Narayanan made a quiet visit to Srinagar, accompanied by Army chief General JJ Singh, where they met with the northern Army Commander and chief of Srinagar-based 15 Corps to review the situation. Over two days Narayanan reviewed the entire ground situation, the sudden spurt in violence, attacks on minorities and infiltration.
The Army top brass told Narayanan that overall there has been a fall in infiltration this summer but “it definitely continues.” As late as last week, the Army intercepted an infiltrating group and gunned down eight terrorists at the Machchal sector.
However, the Army says there has been a significant new trend of terrorists infiltrating through Nepal border and reaching Kashmir. The cache of arms is already available in Kashmir so the terrorists “walk in empty handed.”
The Army assessment about the drop in infiltration is corroborated by various intelligence agencies though there is a difference of opinion. There is clear indication that Pakistani establishment is tightening the controls along the Line of Control. Over a month back, sources say, Pakistan Army shot dead six Hizbul Mujahiddin terrorists when they tried to cross over defying Pak Army orders.
The government is looking at four key parameters to assess Pakistan’s intent on curbing terrorism: level of violence, infiltration, communication across the borders and financing. And NSA’s visit to Srinagar was a critical part of the exercise. DNA had reported on April 29 the contours of New Delhi’s stand on PM’s proposed visit to Pakistan. It was clear that Singh’s trip to Pakistan would be undertaken only if they are assured that Pakistan was sticking to its commitment to curb terrorism.
New Delhi is clear that the Prime Minister’s first trip to Pakistan, if at all it happens, has to have a substantial agenda, and not end up as a whimper. The demilitarisation of Siachen was high on the expected list of bilateral breakthroughs PM hoped to achieve in Pakistan.
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