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Kashmir to have more army personnel

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

The army has decided to increase its presence in the Kashmir valley.

The decision follows post-Kargil threat analysis, increasing influx of mercenaries, most of them foreigners, and the suspected involvement of Osama bin Laden.

According to a senior army officer, new units will be moved for immediate deployment. "These will be in addition to the two corps presently deputed there," he said. Units are being "raised" in various centres, he added, denying any large-scale recruitment.

Sources said the increase would take the strength of forces present in the trouble-torn state to one of the highest there in the past 10 years. Though the exact number of units to be moved into the valley are not known, it is believed that a sizeable number of soldiers will join 15 Corps and the newly-created 14 Corps.

The army had created 14 Corps at Leh to guard the Line of Control and Siachen border after the Kargil conflict. The 14 Corps presently has only two divisions -- the 3 Infantry and 8 Mountain -- besides some independent units including the Ladakh Scouts. Army sources said some of the units to be moved into the valley would join the new corps in Ladakh area. Besides, the Ladakh Scouts is being expanded with new recruitment.

Ladakh has become a highly sensitive spot that is being targeted by the Mujahideen in the post-Kargil period. Besides, during winter when Ladakh is virtually cut off from the rest of the country, it is feared that militant activities will be stepped up. Being close to Pakistan and China, and with a delicate link to the rest of the country, Ladakh is feared to be a major target of the mercenaries. During the Kargil operations, the army had busted a multi-phased strategy to cut off Ladakh.

Several units are expected to join 15 Corps too, which has returned to the valley to look after anti-insurgency operations. Areas where the army wants increased troop presence include Kupwara, where militants have stepped up attacks on military installations. According to sources, two brigades will move into the area immediately. Besides, Doda and Baramulla will also witness increase in troop presence.

According to army officials, de-briefing and additional training are being given to soldiers who are moving to the valley.

"The large number of attacks on defence installations are indications of their mind-set. There have been very few surrenders in the recent weeks," a senior army officer pointed out.

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