More Pak shelling expected along Kashmir LoC

Pakistan may embark on another misadventure along the Jammu and Kashmir Line of Control before winter freezes the mountain passes, defence ministry sources say.

The 'desperate' move, they expect, will come in the next couple of weeks. "Their agenda has been set back, and now the army feels threatened that its influence in own country is diminishing," sources said.

Large-scale infiltration and disruption of winter stocking operations for the Siachen glacier are the immediate objectives before Pakistan. The long-term objective, apparently, is to keep the Kashmir pot boiling over.

A careful design appeared to be behind the recent shelling in Kargil town. The border town is relatively militancy-free as the 12,000-strong population, comprising mostly of Shia Muslims, are dead against Pakistan.

"Pakistan had failed in infiltrating through other points," sources said, "It had brought together more than 200 hardcore militants and was desperate to sneak them in before winter. The Kargil sector had apparently been chosen as their troops commanded an advantageous position there; the township is a sitting duck to them."

Officials disclosed the Pakistanis had made four vain attempts during the summer months to overrun Indian positions at Bana post, Siachen area. The post is the highest battlefield in the world.

"Any attack on Kargil has the potential of disrupting the supply line to Siachen," sources admitted.

UNI

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