Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 21: A Pakistani military’s Mi-17 helicopter today came within 300 meters of the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied territory near Poonch sector but there was no hostile action by any side even as Northern Command chief Lt Gen Devraj Anbu today visited forward areas of Rajouri district and reviewed security situation and operational preparedness of the troops.
The Pakistan military’s helicopter flew just about 300 meters away from the LoC in Khari Karmara sector of Poonch district between 9.45 am to 10 am,” sources told the Excelsior but added that it flew back to their territory thereafter.
According to laid down norms by both the sides, rotary wing aircraft should not come within one kilometer of the LoC and fixed wing aircraft should not be within 10 kilometers of it.
The helicopter later went back, the sources said, adding although it was not a violation of airspace, but it was a breach of an understanding between the two sides.
Sources indicated that the matter will be taken up with the Pakistani side.
Meanwhile, according to sources, three helicopters were seen in the area and only one was spotted within the 300-metre distance from the LoC.
The helicopters were spotted opposite Khari Karmara sector, they said
The chopper (which came near the LoC) did not cross the boundary.
There has been a spurt in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir which have left 21 persons, including 12 security personnel, dead and over 75 others, mostly civilians, injured this year.
However, this was for the first time after a long gap that Pakistani military’s helicopter came so close to the LoC though it didn’t show any aggression.
Incidentally, Khari Karmara is the same sector, where Indian army had foiled Pakistan-backed BAT action, killing an infiltrator and forcing two others to retreat towards Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in an injured condition, on February 18 evening. Large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the site of gunbattle.
Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, Lt Gen Devraj Anbu today visited forward areas on the LoC in Rajouri and Sunderbani sectors and reviewed security situation and operational preparedness of the troops.
“The Army Commander lauded all ranks of troops for their steadfastness, high morale and dedication,” a Defence spokesman said.
Sources said the Northern Command chief visited forward locations on the LoC and inter-acted with Field Commanders and the troops, guarding the LoC. He was briefed on the situation including ceasefire violations by the Army top brass.
Recently, Lt Gen Anbu had stated that over 300 militants were waiting across the LoC for infiltration into the Indian territory.
Meanwhile, Army and police today launched a search operation at Kesna forest area of Kishtwar and destroyed a hideout of the militants.
Recoveries made from the hideout included two AK-56 rifles, three 9mm pistols, one country made pistol, 15 magazines of AK-56 rifle, 98 Pika rounds, two UBGL rounds, one RPG round, two binoculars, 12 detonators and two radio sets.
“Recovery of war like stores will deal a severe blow to the nefarious designs of terrorists to revive militants in Kishtwar,” a Defence spokesman said.
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