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Militants could target Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus

By Tejinder Sodhi in Baramulla
March 25, 2005 11:13 IST
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Intelligence reports indicate militants could target the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus to sabotage the India-Pakistan peace process.

"We have intercepted wireless messages between some militant outfits planning to sabotage the peace process between the two countries by targeting the first Muzaffarabad-bound bus," a top army officer said, requesting anonymity.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will flag off the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus on April 7.

"We are not sure weather they will attack the bus, but we can't take any chances with the security," the officer said.

The militants could set off improvised explosive devices, which they commonly use, said a source in the intelligence department.

Security agencies have been asked to conduct regular patrolling of the route with anti-landmine vehicles. The number of Road Observation Parties has also been increased and provided with sophisticated instruments.

"We have deployed anti-explosive vehicles, which are functional even in the night," the source said. 

Some militant groups and the pro-Pakistan All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Geelani faction) have opposed the bus service. They believe it is no solution to the Kashmir problem.

Sources said people in the Valley, however, are not heeding the Geelani group's call for a boycott of the service.

The army and security forces claim they have done their homework and will deploy all available resources to avoid any terrorist attack.

 

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Tejinder Sodhi in Baramulla
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