Kashmir terror alert: Pakistan planning BAT operation in Valley, says Intel

Uncertainty looms over the Kashmir Valley after the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration asked the Amarnath yatra pilgrims and the tourists to cut short their stay in the Valley and leave as soon as possible amid intelligence inputs of terror threats.

The state government's notice to the Amarnath pilgrims and the tourists in the Kashmir Valley read: "Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the Valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible."

National Conference leader and former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah called the advisory as "unprecedented". Former CM Mehbooba Mufti said the J&K government's advisory to Amarnath pilgrims and other tourists to curtail their visit "immediately" in view of the security threat based on the intel inputs, has created chaos and triggered panic in the Valley.

Pakistan had planned to conduct a Border Action Team (BAT) operation against Indian troops along the forward posts of Barood, Sher, Shakti & Kaiyaan.

According to the latest reports, three JeM operatives were positioned in terror launch pads in Nezapir sector of PoK, opposite Indian post of Shahpur sector in Poonch. They had direct operational backing of Pakistani SSG (Special Service Group) commandos deployed in this area.

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar has suspended its classes till further orders due to the uncertain situation in the Kashmir Valley.

"This is for the information of all the students of the institute that the classwork for all courses stands suspended till further orders. The above notice stands issued in accordance with the instructions received from the District Administration Srinagar," an order issued by the Registrar of NIT read.

Omar Abdullah said that Governor Malik, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has assured saying that Article 35A and Article 370 won't be touched.

Addressing a press conference, Omar Abdullah said that he met Governor Malik to know what's happening in panic-stricken Kashmir. "We're not getting any clarity," said Omar Abdullah. He added saying that there is a lot of speculation on trifurcation as well. Abdullah asked the Centre to assure people not to panic.

Former J&K chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah arrives at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar to meet Governor Satya Pal Malik.

A Pakistani intruder has been apprehended by the Border Security Force near Ferozepur in Punjab. Concerned authorities are questioning him about his whereabouts and intentions, reports news agency ANI.

Tensions spiked in Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre rushed 28,000 troops of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to Kashmir Valley, in addition to the 10,000 troops which were deployed there last week. READ FULL STORY HERE

With situation appearing turbulent in the Kashmir Valley, aviation regulator DGCA advised airlines to remain ready to operate additional flights from the Srinagar airport if the need arises. This advisory came a few hours after J&K administration issued advisory citing intelligence inputs about a terror attack by Pakistan-based terrorists.

"DGCA has advised airlines to remain ready. If there is a need, airlines should be ready to run extra flights," a source told news agency PTI.

Airlines including Air India, IndiGo and Vistara announced that the airlines were temporarily waiving off cancellation and rescheduling charges for flights to and from Jammu and Kashmir.

Vistara tweeted, "Due to the prevailing security situation in Kashmir, we are waiving change and cancellation fees for flights to/from Jammu and Kashmir for the next seven days (till August 9, 2019). Only fare difference, if any, will be applicable for date changes."

IndiGo tweeted, "In view of the current security situation in Srinagar and the Government advisory regarding it, we are providing a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all flights to/from Srinagar till Aug 09, 2019."

Former J&K CM and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said that the people staying in hotels in Gulmarg were being forced to leave, hours after the Jammu and Kashmir government issued an advisory to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and tourists to "immediately" cut short their stay.
"Friends staying in hotels in Gulmarg are being forced to leave. State road transport corporation buses are being deployed to bus people out from Pahalgam and Gulmarg. If there is a threat to the yatra, why is Gulmarg being emptied?" he tweeted.

"I have so many questions and not a single answer. I've met people today who occupy important positions to do with J&K, not one of them was able to tell me anything and I've been CM for 6 years. Imagine the plight of your everyday Kashmiri who doesn't know what to believe," the National Conference leader added.

Also, former CM Mehbooba Mufti said there was complete chaos in the state capital Srinagar.

"Complete chaos on the streets of Srinagar. People rushing to ATMs, petrol pumps and stocking up on essential supplies. Is GOI (Government of India) only concerned about the safety of yatris while Kashmiris have been left to their own devices?" Mufti tweeted.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir feared that the Centre may have plans to do away with Article 35A of the Constitution, which gives exclusive rights to the state's residents in government jobs and land.

Thousands of additional paramilitary personnel were flown in, which has fueled speculations over the abrogation of Article 35A with Kashmir-based parties warning the Centre of dire consequences if the Centre chooses to do so.

A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir politicians, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, Shah Faesal, Sajjad Lone and Imran Ansari, met Governor Satya Pal Malik over the "panic" in the Valley. Malik has asked to "maintain calm and not believe rumours" that are circulating in the Kashmir Valley. The governor also said that there were serious and credible inputs regarding terrorist attacks on the Amarnath Yatra.

Panic has gripped the Valley after an advisory by the government asked Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and tourists to cut short their stay and leave amid intelligence inputs of terror threats.