Sources have indicated a possible threat of terror strikes on jails in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a significant increase in security measures.

Intelligence inputs suggest that high-security facilities such as Srinagar Central Jail and Kot Balwal Jail in Jammu could be potential targets.

These jails currently house several high-profile terrorists and sleeper cell members, who are known to provide support to terrorists through logistical help, shelter, and by facilitating their movement, even if they are not directly involved in attacks.

In connection with the ongoing Pahalgam terror probe in which 26 people died, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently questioned terror associates Nisar and Mushtaq, who were also linked to an Army vehicle attack case. Following the intelligence alerts, the security setup of the jails was reviewed, and measures have been strengthened to prevent any untoward incident.

According to sources, the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) met with top officials of the security grid in Srinagar on Sunday to assess the situation. The CISF took over the security of Jammu and Kashmir jails from the CRPF in October 2023.

More than a week after the Pahalgam attack, NIA sources earlier indicated that the terrorists may still be hiding in south Kashmir.

Sources closely tracking the investigation said there is credible input suggesting that more terrorists may still be hiding in the region. They added that during the attack on April 22 in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley, there were suspicions of additional terrorists maintaining a distance, possibly to provide cover-fire in case security forces attempted a rapid response.

The attackers are reportedly highly self-reliant, carrying food supplies and other essential provisions with them, allowing them to operate for extended periods in the forested terrain without requiring external logistical support.(news agency)