Pak brutality: Why the Machil sector along LoC is hard to guard?

Several attempts are being made to infiltrate through the Machil sector in a bid to land at Lolab Valley and Kupwara

New Delhi, Nov 23: On Tuesday, Pakistan resorted to yet another brutal act. Three Indian soldiers were killed in the Machil sector along the Line of Control. This has been a problematic zone for India as there are several attempts being made to infiltrate through the sector in a bid to land at Lolab Valley and Kupwara.

The National Counter Terrorism Authority has confirmed that there have been four major infiltration bids in the past three months. The terrain in Machil is a difficult one owing to the dense forests and bad weather. Situated at an altitude of 6,500 feet, this terrain is difficult to maneuver.

However, the Pakistanis are using this route frequently to reach Jammu and Kashmir. The problem for the Indian forces is the dense forests in this area. Pakistani militants have been using this to their advantage to enter into Kupwara undetected.

The unrest in the Valley made matters worse. With a large number of security officials focusing on the problem within Kashmir, not much time could be dedicated to manning the terrain at Machil. Terrorists had used this to their advantage and the infiltrations through these areas had gone up.

If one were to notice the trend in recruitments and infiltrations, it becomes clear that each one of these terrorists is trying to set up a strong base in Kupwara. Most of the foreign militants are based in Kupwara and they have used the route through the Machil sector to gain entry.

Intelligence Bureau officials tell OneIndia that since the terrain is covered with dense forests, it is a difficult one to man. However, with the unrest gradually easing out, more manpower can be deployed in this zone in a bid to prevent large scale infiltrations, the officer also noted.

OneIndia News