261 Pakistan ultras infiltrated through LoC, 948 stopped in 3 yrs: A K Antony

NEW DELHI: Only 261 Pakistan-based terrorists managed to infiltrate through the LoC into Jammu and Kashmir, while security forces thwarted infiltration attempts of 948 militants in the last three years, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Tabling the assessment of Multi Agency Centre (MAC) on infiltration, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "Total 235 Pakistan-based terrorists attempted to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir this year, but only 52 could succeed. In last three years, 261 terrorist managed to infiltrate out of the 1209 who attempted for this."

On the number of terrorists killed and apprehended this year, he said, "12 terrorists were killed and one was apprehended by Army while trying to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC)."

In a written reply to a query on terrorists trying to infiltrate with the help of inflatable boats, he said, "On August 20, terrorists attempted to infiltrate across the LoC in the Gurez sector during which they had utilised an inflatable boat."

The attempt was foiled and seven terrorist were killed by the Army with recovery of a large quantity of warlike stores, he said, adding that one Army officer was martyred and two personnel were injured in the operation.

Referring to infiltration bids this year in North East region, Antony said, "Till 30th November, 99 extremists were killed and 1,988 were arrested in the North Eastern States."

On steps taken to check infiltration, he said, "Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain cross-border infiltration which includes round-the-clock surveillance and patrolling on the borders and establishment of observation posts, border fencing and flood-lighting."