It is widely known that there are terrorist camps operating in and around Pakistan occupied Kashmir. However, latest intelligence reports indicate a new strategy being adopted by terror outfits that seeks to downsize the number of training camps and increase the number of recruits so that it is harder for security agencies to track them down.
Intelligence Bureau sources told rediff.com that earlier there were 180 camps in and around PoK, but at the moment it has come down to just 40. While some of the camps have been busted by security agencies, the rest have been voluntarily closed down with a purpose.
The camps are divided into three segments, the IB says. While one part of the camp would focus on recruitment the other would deal with training. The third segment would be used exclusively to launch attacks.
A common training area
Thanks to the international crackdown on such camps, terror groups have decided not to go solo any longer. Earlier, camps were dedicated to solitary terror groups, but now, it appears that various groups are training together. They realise the importance of being together at this point of time.
IB sources say that groups such as the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Taliban and the Hizbul Mujahideen are training together. They have ensured that the camps are in close distance to each other so that the reaction time would be quicker. Also, it becomes easier to share information at a time of an external aggression.
Over a period of time, some of these camps will be moved towards the Nepal border. However, the plan had to be postponed following stepped up vigil by the Indian security agencies.
Shorter training schedules
Prior to the November 26 attacks on Mumbai, the training camps were elaborate. However, now they realise that there is very little time on hand and hence the number of days a training session should last has come down.
Earlier, training camps used to last anything between 3 to four months. However, now immediately after the recruitment process, the members are sent to training camps and the programme is completed in just 40 days. Immediately after one batch completes training, the camps remain shut for at least two months before a fresh batch comes in.
The IB says the members who have completed their training are instructed not to linger around in the third camp from where an attack is launched. This used to be the trend earlier on where a member had to linger on in the final camp two months prior to an attack. However, now these men are called upon on very short notice and the number of men in the launching area is restricted to just 10. Besides these members, the handlers are also present at the camp.
