Gopal Sharma
AKHNOOR, Jan 15: Talking tough against Pakistan after the barbaric killing of two Indian soldiers guarding LoC in Mendhar area of Poonch sector recently and repeated ceasefire violations, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command, Lt Gen K T Parnaik, today said that Pakistani troops will get an appropriate reply at the opportune time.
Talking to media-persons at the sidelines of the Investiture ceremony here today, Lt Gen Parnaik said the incident of beheading of an Indian soldier and barbaric killing of another is most provocative act and violation of Geneva Convention as well. It is also against the spirit of ceasefire agreement. “Let me assure you that sacrifice of our two soldiers will not go waste and Pakistan troops will get appropriate response at the right place and time,” Lt Gen Parnaik asserted.
Referring to the situation along the Line of Control, the Northern Army Commander said great anger is prevailing among troops after this incident and the continuous ceasefire violations by Pakistani Army. “Though tensions is there all along the LoC and in this particular sector but we are monitoring the developments closely and the situation was well under control.”
While responding to a question, Lt Gen Parnaik said, “I do not think there is war like situation along the LoC, or will happen in future. It is not good for both the countries and especially the Pakistan can not afford it as its internal situation is so fragile. The situation along the borders is being monitored closely. These are their tactical moves and may not lead to full scale war. There is no need to get panicky over such incidents,” he maintained.
When asked about any escalation in movement of troops on that side of the LoC, the GOC-in-C said there was no mass movement of troops on that side of the LoC but on few occasions recently, some troops’ mobilization in certain area was seen there. “On our side there is sufficient deployment of troops at the places where they are needed but as such after this incident of provocation there is no escalation in troops deployment.”
No doubt their act is highly provocative and they have shown arrogance and rigid behaviour during flag meeting at Chakan-Da-Bagh yesterday but we will not act in haste and anger. Field commanders have been directed to respond appropriately in case of any ceasefire violations, provocation or otherwise. This behaviour shows frustration among the Pak cadre as they are unable to get the response from this side and good results from their militant cadre operating here to create disturbances. The aim of Pakistani troops is also to give supporting fire to the militants for securing their infiltration into this side and keep the LoC volatile as it serves their purpose.
Replying to another question, Lt Gen Parnaik said nearly 2500 ultras are being trained in around 43 training camps in Pakistan and in Pak occupied Kashmir as per intelligence inputs available. Moreover, around 400-500 armed militants are waiting to cross over to this side at the launching pads closer to the LoC in Rajouri, Poonch and Uri sectors. Pakistan’s ISI is also planning to divert terrorists of Tehreek-e-Taliban to this side to further disturb the peace here but that outfit has its interests along western borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
While referring to the Brigade Commander level flag meeting between India and Pakistan at Chakan-Da-Bagh LoC on Monday, Northern Army Commander said Pakistan still remained adamant, arrogant and not ready to accept anything. “We told them we will continue to respect ceasefire but not if we are provoked. Pakistan is always on denial mode. It always fabricated things and denied having killed our soldiers and beheaded one. They even denied killings and having snatched weapons and expressed ignorance over the matter.”
Lt Gen Parnaik further said during flag meeting Indian Officer vehemently protested the beheading of an Indian soldier and also showed photographs of landmines placed by Pakistani troops on the forward area inside the Indian territory. “We accused them of carrying out the barbaric killing, and asked that head of the soldier (L/Nk Hemraj) be returned. We also drew their attention towards the frequent firing by their troops, violating the agreement. Pakistani Brigadier who was identified as Faizal, read out from a prepared text and denied everything. The text which he read was total denial of India’s charges. It was rigid. The allegations that Indian troops killed their two soldiers at a post near Hajipir in Uri sector on January 6 after violating LoC, which is total a bundle of lies. He said there was firing from Pak side on the intervening night of January 5 and 6 and Indian troops retaliated. There was no violation of LoC from the Indian side. Moreover, the post which they claim is at the height and Indian posts are under their domination at Charunda village of Uri. He said Pakistani soldiers executed operation in Mendhar killing two soldiers on January 8 just after two days of this incident. Such operation requires good preparation at least for two weeks. It indicates that their operation was pre-planned and used commandos to intrude into this side of LoC and execute operation. It is worthwhile to mention here that just within 12 hours of flag meeting, Pakistan indulged in ceasefire violations at three places including Balnoi, Mendhar and Uri along LoC.
On Siachen glacier, the GOC-in-C said, “Siachen glacier is strategically an important area for us. On the western side of the glacier, Pakistani troops are present in Gilgit- Baltistan and on other side there is Karakoram highway and on eastern side there is Akasai Chin. There is no risk on the eastern side but on western side it is there.
Replying to another question, Northern Army Commander said there is no threat from China but it is there from Pakistani. We can not trust them and vacate Glacier. They propose for talks over glacier but when occasion comes, they do not accept the conditions. So, there is no point to talk on demilitarization in that area.
“China is raising infrastructure like roads, tunnel and bridges besides power projects in PoK (Gilgitt-Baltistan). Chinese troops are very much present in PoK but they are not involved in any military operation or action in that part. Our troops are keeping vigil on their activities, he added.
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