The Border Security Force has foiled an infiltration attempt along the International Border in the Pargwal sector near Akhnoor by arresting a Pakistan-trained Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Darhal in Rajouri district. The man had exfiltrated to Pakistan in November 2021, and an MP5 rifle along with ammunition was recovered from his possession at the time of arrest.
The terrorist has been identified as Abdul Khaliq, 41, son of late Noor Mohammad, a resident of Ujhan Magra in Darhal. He had crossed over to Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir on November 13, 2021, using the Line of Control in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district.
Sources said Khaliq set his house on fire a couple of days before exfiltration to create the impression that he had died, and then shifted to the home of relatives at Rani Badesar in Chingus, close to the LoC. After surveying the area for several days, he managed to cross over to PoJK, where he was already in touch with JeM operatives, including commanders based in Pakistan and PoJK.
Khaliq underwent six months of arms training at the Samahni camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in PoJK, where he was trained in handling assault rifles, grenades and other weapons. He also interacted with senior commanders of the outfit, while several other trainees—mostly from Pakistan—were undergoing training in the same facilities.
After completing his training, he was shifted to the Barnala, Chhamb camp, where he was briefed on recruiting local cadre in Rajouri and Poonch, radicalising youth and identifying targets.
According to sources, Khaliq infiltrated back into this side through the International Border in the Pargwal sector with the intention of reaching Rajouri and Poonch to revive local recruitment for JeM. However, his plan was thwarted as BSF troops apprehended him immediately after he crossed over.
At the time of arrest, the BSF recovered an MP5 rifle, a magazine with 10 rounds and a drum magazine. The weapon, sources said, was a modified version of an AK-series rifle. Khaliq was handed over to Khour police station for further legal action and is being sent to the Joint Interrogation Centre for detailed questioning to determine his activities and objectives.
The BSF has placed troops on heightened alert along the International Border from Jammu to Kathua and has been carrying out combing operations in the area for the past fortnight as part of its winter management strategy. Officials said the force is maintaining strict vigilance in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts amid reports that terrorists may attempt infiltration under the cover of fog in the coming days.
Surveillance along the Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch has also been strengthened to prevent any infiltration attempts during the winter months. Officials said the winter management strategy is fully in place along both the LoC and the IB, and any infiltration bid will be firmly countered.
