In the wake of the detection of a secret tunnel in the forward area of Chakla in the Pallanwalla sector of Akhnoor, security units along International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have been asked to keep strict vigil on any digging in the border areas.
Sources told Deccan Herald that the directive was issued as security agencies want to keep a check on the activities of anti-national elements who help militants prepare the tunnels. “Army and Border Security Force (BSF) units have been asked to launch a spot investigation to find out if more such tunnels exist anywhere,” they said.
“As infiltration along the IB and LoC has become difficult due to strict vigil by the security forces, Pakistani spy agency ISI wants to explore the possibility of infiltrating ultras and weapons through secret tunnels,” added the sources.
A senior Army official said that influenced by the success of Hamas militants, who cleverly use tunnels against Israel Defence Forces, the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad militant outfits in Pakistan are being trained by Pakistani Army experts in such technology.
“Militants, with the help of Pakistan Army, are choosing places before deciding to dig a tunnel, with consideration of suitable terrain that can provide cover from observation posts. Also, they are trapping local agents. Then, the Pakistan Army opens fire on Indian posts for some time to divert their attention from infiltration,” he said.
The official added that these tunnels are of a generally high quality of engineering and construction—with some including even electricity and ventilation.
Recently, during the patrolling of the forward area of Chakla in Pallanwalla, the Army found the ground caved in. Engineers and other technical staff from the Army have gone to the area to verify the nature of the cave-in.
Reports said fear has gripped locals in the border areas after the discovery of the latest tunnel.
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