High-security alert sounded in J&K after recent terror strikes in Pakistan

A security personnel deployed in J&K.

Days after two impactful terror strikes rocked Pakistan, a high-security alert has been sounded across Jammu and Kashmir, reported news agency PTI. The twin terror strikes in the neighbouring country was followed by the the killing of a top commander of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Lashkar-e-Taiba's most wanted terrorist, Abu Qatal, was murdered in Pakistan on Saturday night. Qatal, a key operative of the terror outfit, was known for planning multiple attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

All the protected persons, including politicians, have been advised to be conscious and strictly follow the security protocols for their safety, the officials in the security establishment said. They said the forces have been directed to maintain a close watch and "extraordinary" vigil to thwart any attempt by anti-national elements to carry out any attack, especially on soft targets, by intensifying area domination patrolling and search operations.

Several recent terror attacks in Balochistan, including a train hijacking and the killing of top LeT commander Zia-ur-Rehman alias Nadeem alias Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi have prompted the security alert, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

According to PTI quoting intelligence inputs, the officials pointed at the possibility of a 'lone wolf attack' or a targeted attack on any protected person by terrorists to avenge the killing of their commander and the anniversary of 'Jang-e-Badr', a pivotal military victory led by Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE (17th Ramadan, 2 AH) near the town of Badr, Saudi Arabia.

The officials said an advisory was issued to all the protected persons who have been asked to give their tour programmes in advance to the security control room or district senior superintendents of police for tying up arrangements with the concerned agencies. They have also been asked to avoid last minute additions to their tour programmes and move in the terrorism-infested areas only on the days when the road opening parties are deployed, the officials said.