There has been a massive 14-time escalation in the ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the loC in the first four months this year compared to the corresponding period in 2017. As against 60-odd violations till April last year, the figure, at present, stands at 810. In four months this year, the number of violations equals that of the entire last year. And as against 860 violations in 2017, the first four months till April, 2018 witnessed 810 violations.
The trend is unabated and the relentless firing from across the loC has claimed the life of 12 civilians, besides 10 soldiers so far. Gearing up for further escalation, the Army has reinforced its posts along the loC to minimise loss of lives when these bunkers are targeted by the Pakistan Army on both sides of Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the State. While south of Pir Panjal comprises border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, north of Pir Panjal includes Uri and bordering districts in north Kashmir.
On the massive spike, security officials said here on Saturday the Pakistan Army is determined to keep the loC hot. As many as 150-odd terrorists are ready to infiltrate from south of Pir Panjal into Poonch and in Rajouri, as many as 250 well-trained ultras are in launch pads across the loC facing north Kashmir.