Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, July 15: Army has re-devised its strategy to counter any threat from Taliban or other foreign militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in view of surge in militant activities in Pakistan and reports that some of them were shifting towards Pakistan side of the LoC for infiltration into India.
The strategy was given a final touch during high level meeting Army chief Gen Bikram Singh had with top Army Commanders during his three days extensive visit to Jammu and Kashmir including Northern Command, 15 Corps, Rajouri, Akhnoor and Tiger Divisions.
Gen Singh had returned to New Delhi only yesterday morning. Immediately after his return to New Delhi yesterday afternoon, the Army chief had briefed Surface Transport and National Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on need to strengthen road network in the areas falling close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along China borders.
The Army chief was also likely to call on Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and give him a detailed assessment of the situation prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir especially the LoC along Pakistan and LAC along China and steps required to strengthen infrastructure on the Indian side to meet with any eventuality.
Sources said the report of the Army chief would be based on assessment of situation given to him by the top Army Commanders during his farewell three days visit to the State.
According to sources, the Army has re-devised its strategy along the LoC to counter any threat emanating from Taliban and other foreign militants, who have been gaining ground not only in Pakistan but other countries as well and could become a potential threat for India.
“The militants were trying to enter Jammu and Kashmir from the LoC. A good number of them have already been camping near the launching pads awaiting for opportunity to sneak into this side,” sources said, adding that majority of infiltration attempts have been foiled this year.
Sources said as many as 52 infiltration attempts have been made by the militants on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir by the militants during first six months of this year. “While all infiltration attempts by the militants have been foiled on the LoC in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, there had been reports that about 15 militants have managed to sneak-in from the Kashmir Valley,” they added.
The number of 52 infiltration attempts on the LoC was significantly low as there had been 277 such attempts during 2013 and 264 in 2012.
Apart from infiltration attempts, Pakistan Army has also violated ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan 42 times on the LoC and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said, adding that most of the time the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire to give cover to the infiltrators.
Sources said Army was anticipating more infiltration attempts on the LoC, which could be backed by the Pakistan Army in the form of ceasefire violations and it was in this context that the troops have put a new strategy in place to counter any threat by the militants.
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