Amid the rumours and reports of Taliban entering the Kashmir valley after America’s exit from Afghanistan, a security official has denied the reports saying that there is no immediate threat of the Taliban coming towards Kashmir but there is apprehension that the whole Afghan situation could embolden Militant outfits in Kashmir.
Quoting a senior official, a report by Hindu said, With U.S. military almost exiting Afghanistan, the Taliban has made major advances in the last few weeks and gained new ground, raising apprehensions of their possible influx into Kashmir.
“What may happen is that Militant groups in Kashmir may get emboldened by the manner of U.S. military exit in Afghanistan and Taliban gaining ground. They may do something with the confidence,” a senior defence official said. “Next 4-5 years, we do not see any Taliban coming in,” the official stated.
As far as counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir are concerned, India is very strong on the Line of Control (LoC), the official said adding, “Be it troops, sensors or drones we have the LoC fully covered.”
With intense fighting around Kandahar, India evacuated its staff from its consulate on July 11. With the advance made by the Taliban and Mazar, there is an increased threat to Indian consulates, intelligence inputs have warned, the report quoted an official as saying.
In a related development, amid the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, Afghan Army Chief Lt. Gen. Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai is scheduled to visit India from July 27 to 29 during which he will meet Army Chief Gen. Manoj Naravane and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.