India claims 2,500 militants training in Pakistani terror camps

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a high-level meeting regarding internal security shared classified information with the chief ministers of states on terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

During the meeting, the briefing claimed that around 2,500 militants were undergoing training at 42 terror camps spread in Pakistan. Although the number of infiltration bid has come down considerably in 2013, officials warned that terrorist groups were still active in the valley. There were 249 infiltration attempts by terrorists in 2012.

As per the intelligence input, 230 terrorists had already sneaked into the Indian side of the border and holed up in various hideouts in the hills waiting to carry out terror attacks, an Indian daily claimed. On May 22, an LeT commander Hilal Maulvi, was shot dead by security forces at his hideout, it further said.

Furthermore, states were asked to strengthen their intelligence apparatus to thwart terror attacks. During the meeting, it was agreed that security agencies would go after terrorists hiding in various states. The government sources said the states were also directed to ensure that democratic process is followed to instill confidence among people.

Indian-held Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also mentioned that the rate of terrorist incidents decreased by 35 percent in 2012 compared to 2011 and a significant decline in all types of casualties was registered in 2012.