SRINAGAR: In the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack in Poonch, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated a thorough inquiry into the construction of cross-border tunnels believed to be associated with Pakistani intelligence.
These clandestine underground passages have emerged as effective routes for terrorists to infiltrate the sensitive Jammu and Kashmir region, posing a significant security challenge for the concerned authorities.
Over the years, these covert channels have played a crucial role in facilitating the movement of terrorists across the border, enabling them to avoid conventional security measures and gain access to the vulnerable Jammu and Kashmir. The modus operandi involves the construction of hidden tunnels, allowing terrorists to navigate undetected beneath the border and emerge on the Indian side.
Officials involved in the investigation have revealed evident cross-border links, indicating the involvement of Pakistani intelligence agencies in both the construction and the utilization of these tunnels. The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) had previously raised concerns about this issue, providing instances where such cross-border tunnels were discovered and thwarted in the past.
Speaking anonymously to Republic TV, a senior JKP officer stated, “The cross-border tunnels have been a recurring challenge and we have consistently raised concerns about the need for heightened vigilance and security measures along the border. The recent attacks in Poonch-Rajouri highlights the urgency of addressing this issue and taking decisive action against those responsible”.
The officer further revealed that a recently discovered tunnel in the Jammu region was allegedly used by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to infiltrate Fidayeen (suicide) terrorists, resulting in a sensational terror attack. This incident adds to a series of recent attacks in Jammu region, including those on January 1 and 2 at Dhangri village in Rajouri district, possibly linked to the tunnel.
“The backdrop of local support in the Poonch-Rajouri sector has provided a base for Pakistan’s proxy presence. However, this support has diminished over time, partly due to changing local dynamics and evolving sentiments. Recent reports indicate a resurgence of efforts to regain influence, with possible attempts at re-cultivating the local population. Antipathy has reportedly emerged within the Gujjar community, adding a layer of complexity to the situation,” added the officer.
In May 2022, the Border Security Force (BSF) detected a trans-border tunnel on the international border (IB) in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir. They also recovered a 265-feet long oxygen supply pipe from it.
On January 23, 2021, the Border Security Forces (BSF) unearthed a tunnel measuring approximately 150 meters in length and reaching a depth of 30 feet along the International Border in Jammu. The detection of the tunnel took place in the Pansar area of Jammu, prompted by specific intelligence inputs. Positioned near a fence erected by the BSF, the tunnel was designed for the purpose of facilitating the infiltration of trained and armed terrorists.
Meanwhile, the ongoing NIA investigation aims to delve into the operational details of these cross-border tunnels, examining construction methods, financing and communication networks employed by infiltrators and their handlers. The objective is to unravel the intricate web of connections facilitating the movement of terrorists across the border.
In response to the Poonch attack and the ongoing investigation, security forces in the Jammu and Kashmir region have been placed on high alert. Enhanced surveillance measures, increased patrolling along the border and collaboration between intelligence agencies are being prioritized to counter the threat posed by these cross-border tunnels.–(RepublicTV)
