GURDASPUR: The security agencies have for the first time found ‘incontrovertible evidence” Suggesting a strong nexus between Punjab militants and those in Kashmir in terms of arms supply according to highly place sources.

The latest intelligence reports Corroborated by information got during the interrogation of militants in Punjab have revealed that militants are getting arms and ammunition from their Kashmir counterparts. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has become a major supplier of weapons smuggled into the valley ; Recently top militants belonging to the Babbar Khalsa International and the Khalistan Commando Force the sources say had gone to the valley and struck an “arms deal” with Kashmir militants.

Already at least three consignments of 20 Kalashnikov and AK47 assault rifles are reported to have clandestinely reached Punjab through the road link. More consignments are expected in the near future the sources say.

The “link” between organized militant outfits in Punjab and Kashmir is said to have been established on the instructions of the Inter-services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan which is coordinating and aiding militant activity in the two Indian Border States.

Intelligence agencies and Punjab militant groups have lately been turning to the valley for procuring weapons following the effective sealing of the Indo-Pakistan border in the Punjab sector Extensive border fencing and optimum surveillance by the BSF coupled with the deployment of troops on the second line of defence have made the 544 km international border “almost impregnable”.

In the recent past desperate attempts made by militants with support from the Pakistan Rangers to sneak into Indian territory through the Punjab border were foiled by BSF personnel. In most encounters heavy losses were inflicted on the intruders.

Facing an acute shortage of arms and ammunition and manpower to be sent across the border to fetch consignments the militant desperately trying to replenish their stocks in the relatively more porous and less guarded Rajasthan and Jammu sectors.

The sources say it was due to efforts of the ISI that some Kashmir militant outfits agreed to share arms and ammunition flooded into the valley with the Punjab militants at a nominal price.

According to intelligence reports an AK-47 rifle is available in the valley for Rs 10000 to Rs 15000 while a general purpose machinegun costs Rs 40000. The price of small weapons like revolvers and pistols is around Rs 3000. The “arms deal” between the Kashmir militants and the former as they get the weapons free of cost from Pakistan.

Another reason for the militant groups establishing a link in the valley the sources point out is that the Pakistan agencies have lately been “quite selective” in sending arms consignments free of cost into Punjab because of the “directionless” militancy in that state.

The interrogation of militants has the sources say revealed that weapon consignments from the valley are brought to Punjab in vehicles carrying boxes of apples and other fruits.

Concealed in boxes of fruit or specially made cavities in trucks these weapons have safely found their way to various destinations in the states As hundreds of trucks from the valley go to various parts of the country it is difficult to search every vehicle particularly if it is loaded with perishables.

Ina warning note to the state and central governments the security agencies have said the “nexus” between the Punjab and Kashmir militants is an alarming trend.

Top security officials are also worried over the new tend of Punjab militant outfits getting explosives from various sources in the country.

A startling intelligence report has revealed that a particular group of militants has obtained 1.5 quintals of explosive material from a dam site in Himachal Pradesh. The material was reportedly procured by threatening the staff on security duty according to these officials.

Militants it is learnt have also made purchases of explosives from a place near Nanded in Maharashtra. The explosives were reportedly pilfered from a dam project.

Officials are of the view that the explosives are likely to be used mainly against the security forces (Tribune of Chandigarh)

Article extracted from this publication >> September 27, 1991