Security forces have stepped up vigil around the Peer Panjal range, following intelligence inputs suggesting that armed militants are desperate to infiltrate into India to sabotage the ongoing poll process.

A high-ranking official confirmed that word had been sent around for intensification of patrolling close to the gaps on the Line of Control (LOC).

"We are thoroughly screening the forests of Dera Ki Gal (DKG), Mendhar, Mastan Dara, Sangyote, etc where there are reports of some armed militants hiding on trees and in bushes waiting for an opportune time to merge into the local population. We have made some breakthrough, but the possibility of some militants having escaped cannot be ruled out", the official said on condition of anonymity.

Militants have so far not succeeded in creating terror as they have lost local support. Intervention by the security forces in rebuilding infrastructure and elimination of militants in actions such as “Operation Sarpvinash” in the Hill Kaka areas, close to the LOC, have given people the courage to resist the militants.

According to sources, armed militants- mostly Pakistani nationals indoctrinated with the theory of jihad or lure of money-are reportedly camping across the LOC, waiting for an opportunity. Last two months have seen some increased militant activity in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Normally infiltration bids increase prior to the snow, but this year the elections, too, have heightened activity on the Pakistani side, the sources in the Army's Rashtriya Rifles said.

Last week three militants were killed when they tried to infiltrate from the Sabjian area of Poonch district. The futile bid was made near the CRP Dhok area of Sabjian sub-sector in the wee hours. The Border Security Force and the Army, deployed in the area, challenged the terrorists who opened fire, but were killed in retaliatory fire. The sources said there were reports of another group having crossed into India. This has sounded alarm bells making officers jittery. Poonch will see polling on November 17. As a confidence-boosting measure, day and night patrolling has been introduced in Poonch city.

Mohammad Nazir, a resident of Thana Mandi, once a stronghold of the militants, while said, "The last five years of an elected government has got people accustomed to a semblance of normalcy as compared to constant threats from militants and insults at the hands of security agencies. They don't want the black days to return, so people will brave all boycott calls and militant threats to cast their votes".

Though people have taken up cudgels to ignore the threats, they are scared of desprate acts by terrorists. "Since the militants have not received any response to their threats, they may indulge in some desperate acts, so we have asked our children to stay at home", Nazir said.

Summing up the mood among the locals in the border areas of Jammu region, Abdullah, a resident of Noona Bandi (a small township close to the LOC), says, "After two decades of militancy, we have begun to breathe again. People are not willing to give up their freedom. They will go all-out to exercise their franchise in the hope of better days ahead".