New Delhi: A fire deliberately set off by Pakistan in PoK has now spread to the forests in the Indian territory, sources said. This fire poses a threat of causing explosions in the mines laid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar Balakot sector, which were put in place to prevent enemy infiltration. Due to the presence of landmines within a 1.5 to 2-kilometer radius of the LoC, controlling the fire has become challenging.
The army has heightened its alert as the blaze, which has spread from Pakistan-occupied territory, threatens to engulf the forests. Efforts are underway to prevent the fire from reaching forward posts. It is to be noted that terrorists and the Pakistani army often set fire to forests across the LoC to damage the landmines on the Indian side and to infiltrate into Indian territory. However, the army has consistently thwarted every attempt by the terrorists.
150-200 terrorists active in launch pads, training camps
According to sources, launch pads on the other side of the LoC, activated by terrorist organisations such as Al-Badr, JeM, and Lashkar, are operational. Around 150 to 200 terrorists are active in these launch pads/training camps, and the Pakistani army continuously hatches new plots to facilitate their infiltration. The Indian Army and BSF are on high alert along the LoC and the international border to ensure that terrorists never succeed in their plans.
Sources said the fire that was set off near the Poonch’s Balakot sector is being brought under control by the alert personnel of Indian army and forest department. “Such fires are set off so that they trigger explosions in the mines and divert the attention of the army personnel thereby giving the Pakistani side an opportunity to facilitate the infiltrators to sneak in,” sources added. However, the Indian Army has foiled all such attempts.
