Fact Check: Fearing More Balakots, Pakistan Shuts Down Terror Camps in PoK

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The Indian Army Chief Bipin Singh Rawat has turned down the legitimacy of reports that Pakistan has shut down terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Chief has said that as of now they do not have any way to verify these speculations. Rawat also stated that the Indian Army will continue maintaining a strict vigil on the borders.

Pakistan Shutting Down Terror Camps Merely A Speculation

 A day ago media was ablaze with speculations and reports that due to international pressure and also in fear of another retaliation similar to the airstrike in Balakot, Pakistan has decided to downplay its terror factor and shut down the camps. However, the latest statement from the Indian Army Chief clearly indicates that these might be only some speculations without an ounce of truth.

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The speculations were triggered off after India shared documents that provide solid evidence about the existence of terror camps in the PoK with the international community. India provided details about the 11 terror camps out of which five camps are each located in Muzaffarabad and Kotli clusters, and 1 camp is located in Barnala.

Retreat Orders For Time Being?

Earlier reports suggested that the terror facilities managed by terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lakshar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen were temporarily shut down after they received retreat orders from their Supreme commandos at least for the time being.  

Even though Mr. Rawat has not confirmed these reports, it should be noted that since the Balakot airstrike in February this year the terrorist outfits from PoK have not made any attempts of infiltration. Rather, India hoped that after international pressure post-Pulwama Attack, Islamabad will take steps to ensure that the cross-border terrorism is stopped.

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Also after the declaration of Azhar Masood as an international terrorist by the UN, Pakistan has realized that even China can succumb to the political and global pressures. That is why ever since Narendra Modi has come to power, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has been trying to have a meeting with the Indian PM. But the Indian Government is firm that unless Pakistan puts a plug on the cross-border terrorism there would be no bilateral talks.

India’s neighbor has urged repeatedly in the past few months to de-escalate border tension. Even though Pakistan now seems desperate to improve its ties with India following its fallout with major countries in the past few months, the Indian Army is still unsure about its intention. That is why the security on the Indian border continues to remain strict.