Kathua terrorist incursions may test Punjab's security

PATHANKOT: Infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district poses a risk of potential spillover of terrorist activities into Punjab, warn experts.
"Any terrorist activity or infiltration in Kathua could quickly escalate and affect the peace of Punjab, especially neighbouring Pathankot district that shares its border with Kathua. It necessitates a coordinated approach from both state and central security forces to preempt and counter any attempts by terrorists to exploit this proximity for nefarious purposes," said a senior BSF official.
On Wednesday, security forces shot dead a terrorist, believed to be a Pakistan national, who was holed up in Saida Sukhal village of Kathua following a gunfight.
Expressing concern over the incident, Rakesh Kumar Kaushal, deputy inspector general, border range, said "We are on high alert and strengthening our borders. We also held discussions with BSF." He added that they have been assured to get more force to strengthen the second line of defence.
Suhail Qasim Mir, SSP, Pathankot, said that a joint and coordinated approach with BSF was being adopted to address the security concerns. Suhail said that based on intelligence updates, they are incorporating the changes into their strategies and have deployed personnel along the border and nakas along J&K.
When asked about the movement of pilgrims and vehicles between Pathankot and Kathua, he said that strict surveillance measures were being taken. He explained that as Pathankot serves as a transit district, the Madhopur check posts with Kathua district maintain records of all vehicles round the clock.
Suhail said advanced technology like face recognition and automatic number plate recognition cameras has been integrated into nakas, ensuring a high-tech approach to monitor vehicles' movement.