Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 29: A group of four to five militants tried to infiltrate into the Indian territory from the Line of Control (LoC) in Balakote sector of Poonch district early this morning under the covering fire of Pakistan Army.
Defence spokesman Col Manish Mehta said Pakistan Army violated ceasefire in Balakote sector at 3 am today. The small arms firing by Pakistani continued for five minutes.
He added that the troops from this side retaliated with similar caliber. There were no reports of any casualties or damage on the Indian side.
Reports said a group of four to five militants tried to infiltrate into the Indian territory under the covering fire from Pakistani troops and taking advantage of darkness. However, the troops retaliated effectively to neutralize the militants.
Later, Army launched massive search operations all along the LoC in Balakote sector of Poonch district to ensure that there was no successful infiltration by the militants.
Pakistan has committed ceasefire violations 195 times along the LoC last year. During this year so far, four to five infiltration attempts have been reported by the militants along the LoC but the troops had foiled all of them.
Meanwhile, a Joint Security Group Conference was today held at the Romeo Force Headquarters to take stock of the prevailing security situation in the area and chalk out a joint strategy to keep the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch free of any untoward incidents.
The meeting was chaired by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Romeo Force and was attended by Danish Rana, DIG Rajouri-Poonch range, Hemant Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Sajjad Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Mubassir Latifi, SSP Rajouri and other representatives of civil administration, police, security forces and Intelligence agencies.
The General Officer Commanding Romeo Force appreciated the high levels of synergy in operations exhibited by all agencies in recent times. He encouraged all officers to overcome contemporary challenges and work towards enhancing confidence amongst the people.
He further emphasised the requirement to be vigilant, alive and responsive to the developing situation to maintain peace and ensure a peaceful and conducive environment in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Mr Rana briefed the meeting on the prevailing internal security situation and steps initiated to ensure communal harmony in the region. Participants expressed their views on recent incidents which have had an adverse effect on the general environment prevailing in the region.
Various measures to be adopted to keep the area peaceful and free of any terrorist related incidents were discussed during the meeting.
The Deputy Commissioner Rajouri appreciated the close coordination being maintained between the security forces, civil administration and police.
The GOC Romeo Force lauded the officers for their valuable contribution and assured the participants of the continued commitment of the Army towards ensuring peace and harmony in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
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