Stones turn to bullets- a new worry in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Sept 16: There is a big worry ahead for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. With the number of people joining the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Taiba, there is a worry that the stones will be replaced by the bullets.

OneIndia had reported on Thursday that nearly 85 youth had gone missing in Jammu and Kashmir and it is suspected that they may joined the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Taiba [85 and counting: Several Kashmiri youth make a beeline for the Hizbul Mujahideen]

What intelligence bureau officials fear is that more youth are likely to join these outfits. There is credible intelligence that suggests that the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Taiba will try and launch attacks in the Valley.

Stones may turn into bullets

Intelligence Bureau officials have reported several times about the number of terrorists who have infiltrated into Kashmir since the unrest began on July 9. There have been a number of encounters that have taken place in the past month. In each of these cases it was found that the terrorists had infiltrated sometime back.

While the security forces were engaged dealing with the protestors, terrorists took advantage of the situation and managed to recruit as well as infiltrate especially in parts of Southern Kashmir. Security forces were unable to focus on all areas as majority of their work was restricted to the protest hit areas.

Intelligence Bureau officials warn that with incidents of stone pelting dropping now, the Hizbul Mujahideen is likely to launch a fresh wave of attacks.

There is already a lot of propaganda being spread about unleashing attacks on security personnel. Further the Lashkar-e-Taiba also released a kill list in which it warned against siding with the Indian establishment.

All these factors cannot be taken lightly, says a police official from the state. "These are clear warnings and is part of the larger agenda to keep the Valley on the boil," the official also noted.

Officials also say that there was relatively less violence due to Eid, but looking at the messages that the terrorist groups are putting up, it is clear that they will look to attack.

OneIndia News