Srinagar, Nov 5 (PTI) Kashmir police chief Sujit Kumar on Thursday said security forces were prepared for all contingencies amid threats to peace from terror groups operating in the Union Territory.
"Based on continuous intelligence inputs, our teams remain on high alert. The public have been supportive. While security measures cause some routine inconvenience, we try to minimise it. Threats exist, and we are managing them," Kumar told reporters at a press conference here.
Kumar, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, said terror threats, security alerts and recoveries of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir were regular occurrences.
Asked about the number of terrorists active in the Kashmir Valley, Kumar said it would not be appropriate to give an exact figure as they were operating on the move.
"There is one prominent local terrorist who orchestrated attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam, supported by a few foreign terrorists. We have observed their footprints, but putting a definitive number on them is not feasible because they remain in transit- present at one location today and moving elsewhere tomorrow. Stating a fixed number would be an exaggeration, but they are present and being tracked," he said.
On the narco-terror nexus, Kumar said its kingpins were using the network of overground workers (OGWs) to distribute their illicit earnings.
"Militancy and narcotics are deeply intertwined; a significant portion of the narcotics trade directly fuels and supports terrorism. So this is not unfamiliar territory for us, though it is a substantial challenge," he said.
"The kingpins, whether operating locally or across the border, distribute illicit earnings through networks of overground workers under various pretexts," he added.
On the recent operation against terrorists in Budgam, Kumar said they were neutralised at very high altitudes along the ridgeline connecting Poonch and Budgam.
"They were surviving in hyper-transitional movement. Our specialised security forces established dominance at those harsh heights, culminating in a successful operation.
"In such mountain terrains like the Pir Panjal, multiple operational possibilities exist, and our forces are prepared for all contingencies," he said.
Asked about frequent stoppages along the National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir, the IGP said security protocols had been formulated in view of past terror incidents.
"Ongoing threats persist. IED recoveries and security alerts near the highway remain regular occurrences. The protocol seeks to secure lives while accounting for ground realities. However, this is a sensitive matter under active discussion with senior officers and paramilitary forces to ensure public convenience is accommodated without compromising security," he said.
Kumar appealed to the youth of Kashmir to stay away from drugs, cybercrimes and illegal stunts on bikes and cars. He said police will provide all possible help to those youth who want to give up drugs and lead a normal life.
