Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, July 26: While the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh region was absolutely peaceful and normal, there were nearly 150-200 militants operating in South of Pir Panjal and the training camps on that side of the Line of Control (LoC).
“The situation on the China border is absolutely peaceful and calm. There are no problems. There has been no incident of firing at the LAC. There are some areas where there is a difference of perception on the alignment of the LAC. We think it is our area and they think of some other,” General Officer Commanding- in- Chief, Lt Gen D S Hooda, told media-persons on the sidelines of function organised by Army in connection with Vijay Divas at Drass today.
Northern Army Commander said there was no demarcation of the LAC on the land and in such areas both Indian and Chinese soldiers do patrolling.
“But even in those areas, whenever there are any face-offs, everything is settled peacefully. I cannot comment on the political or the diplomatic level, but soldier-to- soldier contact is handled very peacefully,” he said.
Lt Gen Hooda said there was no real concern of the transgressions by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and the rules and protocols were largely followed by both the sides.
“Transgressions are always there. Also, let me say that as the infrastructure there is getting developed and roads are coming up. Even our presence has slightly increased in various areas. So, sometimes it is also because of that you are actually seeing more of what is happening. There is greater visibility also from our side on what they are doing,” the GOC-in-C added.
“There are rules and agreements and protocols that are defined and largely these protocols are being followed by both sides. Really, there is no cause of real concern that they are doing something which is out of the ordinary,” he said.
On reports of deployment of Chinese troops in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Army Commander said, “it does not pose any immediate threat.”
“There are some media reports that some Chinese troops were there in PoK, but mostly they are related to developmental activities. We are not getting anything that is close to the LoC or poses an immediate threat.”
He said ceasefire along the borders with Pakistan was a biggest Confidence Building Measure (CBM) and it would be better for the relations between the two nations if it holds.
“See I cannot answer for India- Pakistan relations. These are being handled at a particular level. But definitely, on the border the incidents which are happening are not good for both. Even the Foreign Secretary made a comment that the biggest CBM was ceasefire along the borders. And if the situation on the LoC and borders is calm, then it will definitely help and it will be good for the development of overall relations,” he said.
The Army commander said the force is prepared for the contingencies which may arise in the wake of the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“We have to be prepared for contingencies. That is my job to look at what sort of contingencies can arrive. And how it can impact on the security situation in J&K. So, the threat in view of pull out from Afghanistan is there. There could be a spillover.
“It is not as if nobody is talking about it. You are getting the statements by HM (Hizbul Mujahideen) chief saying that I will take support from Al-Qaeda and Taliban. We are hearing statements from Taliban side saying Kashmir is the next battle ground. Terms like ‘Ghazve Hind’ are being used. It has not yet manifested itself, but these are things that you have to look at and be prepared,” he said.
Lt Gen Hooda also expressed concern over reports of ISIS flags being hoisted in Srinagar.
“Yes, all these things bother us. But we are looking at various contingencies and seeing how we need to deal with them in case they come up to us,” he said.
Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding, Nagrota based 16 Corps, Lt Gen K H Singh today said that about 150 to 200 militants are operating in South of Pir Panjal and also waiting to cross over to this side from various training camps and launching pads on that side of the Line of Control.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of Operation Vijay Divas function at Core headquarters Nagrota today, the GOC while referring to infiltration bids along LoC in Akhnoor and Rajouri-Poonch sectors said that as per intelligence inputs about 150-200 militants are active on the south of Pir Panjal. He said the militants are waiting to cross over to this side at various training camps and launching pads on that side of the LoC. The troops are well prepared to thwart intrusion bids and responding appropriately.
Referring to the infiltration status along the LoC, Lt Gen Singh said, “I can assure you all that infiltration along the LoC is almost same as compared to last year. There may be slight difference but is it almost same. As per the trend of last many years, it has been observed that during the months of July, August and September, the incidents of infiltration attempts are higher. This is the time that due to growth of bushes, the militants usually try to take advantage of weather and ground situation for infiltration,” he added.
Responding to a question regarding incident of killing of India jawan in Akhnoor sector by Pak Army troops deep inside LoC, the GOC said, “I will not say it was `bat operation’ or something, but I can say with confidence that it was most probably carried out by militants who were made to flee on the other side by the troops.”
Replying to yet another question, the GOC said that in view of internal situation in Pakistan and the elections in the State, the militants are being pushed into this side by their mentors. “I can not say whether Pakistani Army is pushing them inside or not but it is also true that if Pak Army is serious, it can discourage infiltration from that side.”
Describing ceasefire violations as normal and routine act for the last some time, the GOC said that Army was appropriately responding. He also referred to the reason behind more ceasefire violations in Mendhar-Balakote sector since June and maintained that it could be some ‘revenge act’ on their part. He said there was ceasefire violation again during early hours today, but there was no damage on our side. The troops are responding appropriately, the GOC maintained.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel