Security forces are on high alert after receiving intelligence that terrorists may launch major attacks in the Kashmir Valley before Republic Day.
Sources said the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp in the Shadimar-Ahgam area (Shopian) could be targeted on or before January 26, and that a hybrid group of terrorists from the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has tasked operatives with launching the attack.
Intelligence has also revealed that another Pakistan-based group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, may be planning an attack in Jammu.
As well, inputs show that terrorists have carried out a recce of the 43 CRPF Battalion deployed in Budgam for the security of the Old Air Field.
The movement of terrorists has been noticed in Dangerpora, Kralpora, Machuwa, Gund, Chakpora, Wathura, Suthsoo, Kalan, Kothipora localities of Nowgam area of Sringar.
Terrorists may also throw grenades and put up warning banners before Republic Day.
Sunday marks the first Republic Day after the scrapping of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state’s special status, and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. Sources say there is a heightened sense of alert ahead of that date.
A top officer said terrorists were looking to launch a “spectacular strike”, but also that forces had additional boots on the ground.