| Publication |
2009.
|
| Summary/Abstract |
Investigations into Mumbai's 26/11 attack made startling revelations about the militant
training camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Mumbai perpetrators
started from Baitul-Mujahideen in Muzaffarabad, the capital of the so-called 'Azad
Kashmir', and headed for Mumbai via Karachi. They underwent specialized training
in PoK for an extended period before the attack.
Over the years, PoK has become a safe haven not only for terrorists operating in
Kashmir but also for those linked with international terror outfits like Al Qaeda. At
least 55 training camps are said to be located in the region and their cadres number
close to 5,000. The proximity of these camps to Kashmir and the terrain of the region
make infiltration much more convenient especially during summers. Muzaffarabad
and Kotli are known epicentres of such camps and dreaded militant organizations
such as Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen have their operational
headquarters there. Terrorist camps are noted to be widespread in Bhimber, Bakryal,
Balakot, Chawari, Kotli, and Mangla. Lashkar has two camps in Muzaffarabad -
Abdul-Bin-Masud and Danna. Hizbul has one in Muzaffarabad and the other in
Mangla. Jaish-e-Mohammed also has a strong foothold in the region even though it
operates chiefly from Balakot (North West Frontier Province).
|