The Indian Army is watching the movements across the line of Control (loC) with “preparedness of highest degree” and is ready to deal with any misadventure from the other side of the fence in Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking to media persons at Boniyar in the north Kashmir’s Uri area, closer to the loC in Baramulla district, commander of Srinagar based XV Corps lt Gen Satish Dua said that the preparedness of the Army along the loC is of highest degree. “The Indian Army is ready to deal with any misadventure from across the loC, whether it is by regulars or otherwise,” Dua said.
He said the Army is watching the presence (of militants) across the loC. “The very fact they (militants) are infiltrating in different places and several encounters have taken place is an ample proof that they are still there. But we are ready for any challenge,” he said.
He said that some incidents of infiltration have taken place during the current year but maintained that the Army’s preparedness has foiled several such attempts. “I do admit that some infiltration has taken place but the encounters along the loC and the number of militants eliminated shows the preparedness of the Army,” lt Gen Dua said.
He refused to comment on the September 20 “surgical strike” conducted by the Army along the loC to smash militant launch pads. “The appropriate authorities have already given out the details. I obviously don’t have any different point of view. The political and Army leadership have given their view point on it,” he said.
Asked whether the incidents of weapon snatching in south Kashmir were a cause of concern, the corps commander said that the weapons snatching incidents have taken place in some small police pickets where the situation has been not been handled properly.
“There are some small pickets of the police where they are not able to take care of the situation if the militants come in. It is cause of concern and it is being addressed jointly with the police,” he said.
Earlier, lt Gen Dua inaugurated Chinar 9 Jawan club, an effort to envision constructive engagement of the youth of Kashmir and providing them with an ideal platform to interact, relax, rejuvenate, play games and to develop their skills for holistic growth in a stress free environment.