Intel warns of BAT, SSG movement

New Delhi: Central intelligence agencies have cautioned both BSF and Army, the two border guarding forces in Jammu and Kashmir, to remain on high alert amid specific inputs that there was significant movement of Pakistan Army Border Action Team (BAT) and Special Service Group (SSG) in areas close to the border. Both BAT and SSG have a notorious reputation of targeting Indian soldiers and mutilating their bodies in the past along with terror outfits.

While BSF is primarily responsible for guarding the International Border (IB), the Army is tasked with protecting the Line of Control. According to the intelligence alert, which has been examined by this newspaper, also mentions that, Pakistan Army has increased its deployment of BAT and SSG teams in sensitive areas close to the border with the intention of targeting patrolling teams of our security forces which should remain on high alert.’’  In view of these  inputs, the border guarding forces, primarily the BSF and Army, should follow all security protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while going on patrolling assignments close to the LoC and IB. The situation is more sensitive close to the LoC,’’ the intelligence input further states.

 Sources said the intelligence agencies have already shared these details both with the Army and BSF following which they had sensitised all security personnel’’ deployed in border areas. We have already instructed our patrolling teams to move together in a single compact formation and to ensure that no one is left behind. In addition, all patrolling teams have been revamped with additional deployment to give them proper security cover. With onset of winter and specially in view of dense fog in forest areas during this season our border guarding security personnel are more vulnerable to attacks by BAT and SSG as has been witnessed in the past also,’’a senior security official deployed in the Valley said.

Terror groups operating out of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, particularly the Lahkar-e-Tayyaba, have in the past assisted both BAT and SSG of Pak Army in carrying out brutal attacks on Indian patrolling teams close to the border.

 In a related moved intelligence agencies have also asked security forces operating in the Kashmir Valley to step up their operations against active militants as in view of harsh winters these terror operatives had started moving to built up areas’’ in the region, particularly in South Kashmir.