The terrorists seemed to have taken the same road as the ones last summer. The point where they abducted the SP on Friday, and left the car later, indicates that they crossed Dina Nagar.
Written by Kanchan Vasdev | Chandigarh | Updated: January 3, 2016 11:53 am
Punjab has not seen many major jihadi attacks originating in Pakistan in recent years, and the terrorists would have banked on the element of surprise — something that is likely to change now. (Source: Express photo)
The second terrorist attack in Punjab — both in undivided Gurdaspur district — in less than six months underscores the vulnerability of the state, especially the areas close to the border with Pakistan, and shows up the failure to plug gaps in the counterterror security grid.
When the police station in Dina Nagar was attacked on July 27 last year, the police had put out the theory that the terrorists had targeted the small town in frustration after losing their way and stumbling upon it. Three civilians and four policemen were killed in the attack by three terrorists who fired on a bus before striking the police station.
READ | Pathankot: Armed forces have strength to defeat evil intentions of our enemy, says PM Modi
Saturday’s intrusion by five terrorists into the Pathankot airbase was different. This time, the men seemed to know where they wanted to go, hijacking one car, and then another, the second one with a blue beacon, to get to the destination.
The terrorists seemed to have taken the same road as the ones last summer. The point where they abducted the SP on Friday, and left the car later, indicates that they crossed Dina Nagar. Like in July, this time too, they wore Army fatigues.
READ | First terrorist was killed while he was climbing 10 ft high wall
Sources said authorities in Punjab had received an input from the Intelligence Bureau in October warning of another possible terror attack in Gurdaspur. In December, a more specific input was given, which said a defence installation was likely to be targeted.
In the Dina Nagar case, Punjab Police set up an SIT, which made no headway. The police and BSF could not agree on where the terrorists had come from. That question remains unresolved.
The International Border in Punjab and Jammu has been an infiltration target because of the tighter security along the LoC, as well as its proximity to Hindu-dominated Jammu and Punjab. The vulnerability of Punjab would appear to have something to do with the strengthening of the counterinsurgency grid in J&K after attacks in Kathua, Samba and Jammu over the last couple of years. There are nakas virtually every kilometre on the highways, and tight vigil at the nullahs. In the circumstances, Punjab would appear an easier target. Punjab has not seen many major jihadi attacks originating in Pakistan in recent years, and the terrorists would have banked on the element of surprise — something that is likely to change now. Widening the arc of the attack into largely peaceful Punjab would stretch the security forces on the borders. It could also boost the morale of Sikh militant groups in Pakistan. (With Arun Sharma in Jammu)
No comments:
Post a Comment