Intelligence: Pak-sponsored terrorists trying to derail talks in J&K
The Pakistani Army and ISI have reportedly stepped up attempts to infiltrate terrorists into Kashmir and conduct attacks, Indian security officials have told DNA. This is aimed at derailing efforts by the Indian governments special representative Dineshwar Sharma to hold a sustained dialogue with all stakeholders in conflict-hit J&K. Sharma reached Srinagar on Monday to commence the talks.
Rajnath: Former IB chief Dineshwar Sharma to be J&K interlocutor
On October 23, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced that former Intelligence Bureau (IB) director Dineshwar Sharma will initiate dialogue in strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir. He said Sharma "will initiate a sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations" of J&K citizens. Sharma will hold the position of a cabinet secretary. Regarding talks with separatists, Rajnath said Sharma has autonomy to decide.
Pak-based United Jihad Council told 45-50 militants to launch attacks
Two days after Sharma was appointed an interlocutor, a conference of the United Jihad Council (UJC), an umbrella group of Kashmir-specific militant outfits, was convened Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. UJC chief Syed Salahuddin instructed 45-50 militants to infiltrate into India and conduct attacks aimed at derailing any dialogue with Sharma. The conference was also attended by the ISI and Pakistani army officials, according to intelligence inputs.
Intelligence: Militant infiltration to continue even in winter
The separatist Hurriyat Conference party has rejected any dialogue with Sharma. Meanwhile, intelligence inputs suggest that the infiltration of terrorists aided by the Pakistani army will continue as winter sets in. Indian security agencies have identified 10 vulnerable areas where infiltration by militants or the Pakistani army's cross-border raids may take place. The movement of militants indicates that a strike is being planned.
