This new dimension to the insurgency in the Valley has left the security agencies worried. They are trying to investigate the origin of these militants, who have been spotted in groups across the LoC. Sources also claim that around 200-250 militants are waiting at launching pads in Kail, Phulwali and Janwai near the LoC.

According to them, the ongoing Kargil skirmishes have inspired militants living in various training camps in PoK to infiltrate into the Kashmir Valley and to offer a ``Kargil-like fight'' to the security forces. ``There has not been any substantial loss to the intruders in Kargil even after the heavy artillery shelling and air strikes,'' they say. ``This may have inspired the militants to cross the LoC and intensify their subversive activities.''

Asenior Army officer, however, claims pre-emptive action by security forces had thwarted the designs of the militants and their mentors across the LoC. He said that recently an infiltration bid in Machil sector had been foiled, in which three foreign militants had been killed. However, sources reveal the heavily armed group comprised 16-20 militants who engaged the Army and BSF in a week-long encounter. The Army reportedly also suffered two casualties while a BSF jawan was injured in the fierce gun battle.

Doubts about a possible infiltration were reportedly confirmed after the forces captured a militant during the encounter.

Sources said the Machil sector had witnessed heavy infiltration last year when in the second half of 1998, as many as 54 militants had been killed while crossing the LoC. This year, at least five-seveb groups, it is believed, have already succeeded in entering into the Machil sector.

The militants waiting across the LoC are said to have planned well in advance, including buildingunderground bunkers.

Infiltration has also been reported from the Keran sector during the cross-border shelling. Sources said four militants who were killed in an encounter at Dardbahak, Rationpora, on June 17 were part of the 15-20 strong group who recently crossed over from Dumari Gali in the Keran sector. However, security agencies maintain that the group had not crossed over recently but was already present in the area and had intensified activities following fresh instructions.