LoC-DCC2000
Pakistan using narco-money for spreading insurgency
Mrityunjay Bose Aug 28, 2000 19:05 Hrs (IST)
Somewhere on the LoC: Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is pumping in as much as Rs 5.37 billion it gets from the clandestine narcotics trade for spreading terrorism in strategic Northern Indian border State of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is a larger part of Pakistan's design and ISI to spread terrorism in the valley, senior officials posted in the valley and along the Line of Control (LoC) told a visiting UNI correspondent on condition of anonymity. Narco money is just one source--the terrorist outfits receive money from several others also.
The overall narco and drug trade of Pakistan is around Rs 107.50 billion (2.5 billion dollars), they said.
Asked where this money is used exactly, a senior official said it is utilized to pay the militants and for procuring sophisticated arms and ammunitions. The money is also used to pay local carriers, guides and couriers.
While local and foreign terrorists are paid between Rs 3,000 to Rs 25,000 per month (US $ 75 to 500), a foreign terrorist is paid Rs 2,00,000 in advance prior to infiltration.
The next of kin of a terrorist killed is paid around Rs 50,000 (US $ 1,250). The terrorists and mercenaries are also entitled to receive an incentive if they manage to kill army officers. Higher the rank, more the reward.
The incentive for high-risk operations may vary from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. While the porters receive Rs 10,000 to carry an ammunition box, guides who help militants infiltrate receive an amount of Rs 60,000 for helping 15 to 20 terrorists, according to the army's intelligence. Their informers receive around Rs 1,000 per month.
Asked about the post-Musharraf scenario, senior officials said, "You can see. There is a spurt in terrorism in the last few months. There is also an effort by Pakistan to sensationalize the whole Issue."
A senior Indian army official said that the Pakistani army is openly involved in training, aiding and abetting terrorists. According to intelligence reports received here Pakistani formations have taken direct control of tactical training of terrorists and also there has been an increase in hostile propaganda.
While 2000 militants are currently being trained by Pakistan, around 2,000 to 2,250 are awaiting to infiltrate from various places adjacent to Kanzalwan, Machhal, Keran, Tangdhar, Lipa valley, Uri and Gulmarg.
About the training of terrorists, a senior official said the militants from Kashmir as well as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) undergo a basic and motivational training for three to four months. They are taught to handle and fire weapons besides the basic tactics of ambush and raid.
Communication training is also given to selected personnel, a senior official said adding that they are using sophisticated communication equipments. Motivational training includes religious fundamentalism coupled with anti-India rhetoric.
The Pakistani terrorists are mostly Islamic fundamentalists. They undergo four to five months training in camps organized by the Jamait-e-Islami as well as the ISI, the sources said.
Militants of Afghan, Iran, Yemen and Chechenya origin, apart from undergoing training in their respective countries, also undergo training in Pakistan. They are imparted advanced training in commanding terrorist groups.
They specialize in language, urban warfare, sabotage and assassination, a senior official said. Women and children are also being used as couriers.
Asked about the latest trend in terrorism, the sources said the militants armed with pistols fitted with silencers target security personnel moving alone.
"They (Pakistanis) see proxy war as a low cost option and their aim is to bleed the Indian army by a thousand cuts. But, all such attempts will be thwarted by the army?, senior officials said adding, they should not test our tolerance."
UNI
(This report was filed after a visit to the forward areas of LoC)
Mrityunjay Bose Aug 28, 2000 19:05 Hrs (IST)
Somewhere on the LoC: Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is pumping in as much as Rs 5.37 billion it gets from the clandestine narcotics trade for spreading terrorism in strategic Northern Indian border State of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is a larger part of Pakistan's design and ISI to spread terrorism in the valley, senior officials posted in the valley and along the Line of Control (LoC) told a visiting UNI correspondent on condition of anonymity. Narco money is just one source--the terrorist outfits receive money from several others also.
The overall narco and drug trade of Pakistan is around Rs 107.50 billion (2.5 billion dollars), they said.
Asked where this money is used exactly, a senior official said it is utilized to pay the militants and for procuring sophisticated arms and ammunitions. The money is also used to pay local carriers, guides and couriers.
While local and foreign terrorists are paid between Rs 3,000 to Rs 25,000 per month (US $ 75 to 500), a foreign terrorist is paid Rs 2,00,000 in advance prior to infiltration.
The next of kin of a terrorist killed is paid around Rs 50,000 (US $ 1,250). The terrorists and mercenaries are also entitled to receive an incentive if they manage to kill army officers. Higher the rank, more the reward.
The incentive for high-risk operations may vary from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. While the porters receive Rs 10,000 to carry an ammunition box, guides who help militants infiltrate receive an amount of Rs 60,000 for helping 15 to 20 terrorists, according to the army's intelligence. Their informers receive around Rs 1,000 per month.
Asked about the post-Musharraf scenario, senior officials said, "You can see. There is a spurt in terrorism in the last few months. There is also an effort by Pakistan to sensationalize the whole Issue."
A senior Indian army official said that the Pakistani army is openly involved in training, aiding and abetting terrorists. According to intelligence reports received here Pakistani formations have taken direct control of tactical training of terrorists and also there has been an increase in hostile propaganda.
While 2000 militants are currently being trained by Pakistan, around 2,000 to 2,250 are awaiting to infiltrate from various places adjacent to Kanzalwan, Machhal, Keran, Tangdhar, Lipa valley, Uri and Gulmarg.
About the training of terrorists, a senior official said the militants from Kashmir as well as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) undergo a basic and motivational training for three to four months. They are taught to handle and fire weapons besides the basic tactics of ambush and raid.
Communication training is also given to selected personnel, a senior official said adding that they are using sophisticated communication equipments. Motivational training includes religious fundamentalism coupled with anti-India rhetoric.
The Pakistani terrorists are mostly Islamic fundamentalists. They undergo four to five months training in camps organized by the Jamait-e-Islami as well as the ISI, the sources said.
Militants of Afghan, Iran, Yemen and Chechenya origin, apart from undergoing training in their respective countries, also undergo training in Pakistan. They are imparted advanced training in commanding terrorist groups.
They specialize in language, urban warfare, sabotage and assassination, a senior official said. Women and children are also being used as couriers.
Asked about the latest trend in terrorism, the sources said the militants armed with pistols fitted with silencers target security personnel moving alone.
"They (Pakistanis) see proxy war as a low cost option and their aim is to bleed the Indian army by a thousand cuts. But, all such attempts will be thwarted by the army?, senior officials said adding, they should not test our tolerance."
UNI
(This report was filed after a visit to the forward areas of LoC)
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