News Analysis India

Tag: Line of Control

  • Boy recovers radio sets, ammunition near LoC in J-K’s Rajouri, hands over them to Army

    By PTI
    JAMMU: A boy on Friday recovered two radio sets and ammunition near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district and handed over them to the Army, officials said.

    A young boy from Lamberi village residing along the border recovered two radio sets and one round of ammunition of AK-47 when he chanced upon a suspicious packet in his neighbourhood, a defence spokesman said.

    He said the boy immediately informed the village sarpanch, police and the nearest Army detachment.

    There were reports of an IED found at the place.

    The Army personnel rushed to the spot and ruled out the presence of an explosive device at the location, the spokesman said.

    This is a fine example of locals supporting the efforts of security forces to ensure peace in the region, he said.

    The boy was applauded for his excellent situational awareness and prompt action as a dutiful citizen, the spokesman said.

  • Lashkar’s role behind drone surge, says J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh

    Express News Service
    SRINAGAR:  Amid rising instances of drone sighting near the International Border and military installations in Jammu region, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh on Monday said militant outfits were continuously attempting to use drones for militant activities.

    Chairing a high-level joint security meeting at Police Headquarters, Jammu, Singh said: “Lashkar’s role has been established in most of the arms smuggling through drones along the LoC and International Border.” He said that modern technology has been deployed to counter the threat.

    On June 27, two drones dropped low intensity Improvised Explosive Devices on an IAF base in Jammu, damaging the rooftop of one of the buildings and injuring two personnel. After June 27, there have been about six instances of drone sightings on the border or over military installations in Jammu region.

    On July 14, BSF thwarted a drone activity on the Indian side of the International Border in Arnia sector of Jammu. The border guards fired at the drone forcing it to retreat.

  • Youth joining terrorism in Kashmir comes down, LoC reports no ceasefire violation since February end

    Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: The Valley of Kashmir (UT of J&K) seems to be witnessing a phase of relative peace as per the data shared by the armed forces. While the number of youth joining various terror organisations has decreased substantially, the ceasefire violations have witnessed a sharp decline.

    As per sources till June 1 only 58 youth picked up guns which were 81 in the corresponding period of the year 2020. A total of 166 locals from Kashmir had joined terrorism in 2020 with 119 joining in 2019.

    In various operations up to 8 July this year, the Army sources said to have neutralised 68 Terrorists. The figures in the corresponding period last year were 127.

    “For the forces, the good part is that the number of youth picking guns is lesser than the number of terrorists killed in the same period,” told the source.

    The decrease of terrorist-related activities on various parameters is also attributed to this year’s February 25 reiteration of the Ceasefire Violation agreement which has not been violated by the Pakistan Army, confirmed the source.

    As per the figures shared there have been only 592 Ceasefire Violations (CFV) this year and those all were prior to ceasefire agreement. The decline stands out as the violations in the year 2020 in the corresponding period (till July 1, 2020) was 2301. 

    If the same is compared with the previous years’ data, the decline is noteworthy. There were 4,635 CFVs in the year 2020 and it was 3233 in 2019.

    The forces are not putting their guards down as the terrorists have not stopped the activities. There were 57 Terrorist Initiated Incidents (TIIs) this year till 01 July which stood at 68 in the corresponding period in the year 2020. There were 173 TIIs in 2019 and it was 142 in 2020.

    The soldiers along the 740 km long Line of Control continue with the same drills which they used to follow before the February CFV reiteration.

  • Pakistani intruder arrested along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch

    By PTI
    JAMMU: Security forces on Saturday arrested a Pakistani intruder along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said here.

    The troops picked up a suspected movement along the LoC in the forward area of Gulpur and intercepted the intruder, they said.

    He was arrested and is being questioned, the officials said.

    The man has been identified as Javaid of Chopur, they added.

  • Security situation has improved in J-K, but need to be alert along LoC: Officials

    During the meeting, the officials shared inputs about the LoC and hinterland security situation.

  • Onus on continuation of ceasefire, removal of mistrust lies with Pakistan: Indian Army chief

    Express News Service
    SRINAGAR: Army Chief General MM Naravane on Thursday said responsibility and onus on continuity of border ceasefire and removal of mistrust with India lie solely with Pakistan.

    “The border ceasefire is holding. The onus to ensure that ceasefire lies with Pakistan. We are willing to observe the ceasefire as long as they do so,” General Naravane told media persons during his second-day visit to the Valley.

    Asked whether Army has lowered guard along the LoC, he said while a ceasefire is on, militant infrastructure, militant camps and militants continue to be on the other side of LoC. “Therefore there can be no slackening in our preparedness and alertness.”

    Asked whether the ceasefire has reduced mistrust between India and Pakistan, Army chief said, “Trust is a very difficult thing to come by. It takes a very long time to develop. There have been decades of mistrust in India and Pakistan and obviously, the situation on that score cannot change overnight”.

    “However, if the ceasefire continues and they (Pakistan) continues to observe ceasefire in letter and spirit and stop and desist from pushing militants across and foment trouble in India, then all small steps will definitely go incrementally in building trust between two countries. The onus is entirely on Pakistan to build upon whatever has been achieved so far”.

    On the thinning of troops, he said, “We cannot reduce alertness and preparedness. We have a counter-infiltration grid to prevent any movement from across LoC. We also have a counter militancy grid in the hinterland. All these deployments are dynamic and they depend on situation and threat perception”.

    “However, we keep reviewing deployments and if situation permits, then we pull out some troops from active deployment to the rare areas so that they get time for rest and relief”.

    General Naravane said Army’s role in J&K is to bring the level of violence to an extent, where civil administration and local security forces can then play their role in the development of the region.

    “Army’s role is to work with local administration and other forces. Our ultimate aim is to bring level of violence so that peace and development can take place in J&K,” he said.

    Asked how he sees the security situation in J&K, Army chief said, “All security parameters have seen great improvement. There have been very few militants initiated incidents, hardly any cases of stone pelting and no IED attacks in the recent past. All these are indicators or return of sense of normalcy”.

    In response to a question on Amarnath yatra, he said, “We are prepared and taken all necessary steps for smooth conduct of Amarnath yatra. The decision to conduct the yatra lies with the civil administration. But we are ready from our side.”

    The 56-day Amarnath yatra is scheduled to start from 28 June. However, due to the outbreak of the second Covid-19 wave, it is not known whether J&K government would allow the yatra or not.

    Asking youth to shun the path of violence, General Naravane said, “Violence does not get you anywhere. The youth should embrace the future and world over the future lies in shunning violence. And if you do that, it will only hasten the process of ushering in a new era of development and prosperity in J&K.”

    Earlier, the Army chief visited the formations and units along the LoC and was briefed by the local commanders about the existing security situation and measures taken to foil infiltration by militants from across the LoC.

    While interacting with troops, he cautioned all commanders and troops to not let their guard down and remain prepared to meet any emerging security challenges effectively.

  • India-Pakistan ceasefire contributed to peace; first step towards normalisation of ties: Naravane

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The holding of the ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani armies along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the last three months has contributed to a feeling of peace and security and it is the first step towards a long road of normalisation of ties between the two countries, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane has said.

    In an exclusive interview to PTI, Gen Naravane, at the same time, said the ceasefire does not mean that India’s fight against terrorism has come to a halt and noted that there was no reason to believe that the terror infrastructure along the LoC has been dismantled by the Pakistan Army.

    The Army Chief also said that consistency in the reduction in infiltration attempts and terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir will go a long way in assuring India of Pakistani intent to foster good neighbourly relations.

    Gen Naravane said adherence to the ceasefire pact has “definitely” contributed to the overall feeling of peace and security in the region and boosted prospects of peace after a long spell of flare-ups.

    In a sudden and significant move aimed at reducing tensions, the Indian and Pakistani armies on February 25 announced that they would cease firing across the LoC while recommitting themselves to a 2003 ceasefire agreement.

    “Ceasefire along the LoC does not mean that our fight against terrorism has come to a halt. We do not have any reasons to believe that the terror infrastructure along the LoC has been dismantled by the Pakistan Army.”

    “Whether it is their inability or unwillingness, both are equally dangerous and concerning, especially seen in the light of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan,” the Army chief said, referring to the Biden administration’s decision to pull out American troops from Afghanistan by September 11.

    Referring to the ceasefire, Gen Naravane said there was not a single incident of cross-border firing by the two armies after the pact came into effect though there was an incident involving the Pakistani Rangers in the Jammu sector.

    “This year, we have seen a drastic reduction in the violence levels in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Security forces and other government agencies are working in sync to maintain pressure on terror groups and squeeze out the logistics support,” he said.

    “Consistency in a reduction in infiltration attempts and terrorist incidents in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will go a long way in assuring us of Pakistani intent to foster good neighbourly relations with us,” Gen Naravane said.

    He said there was a renewed emphasis on observing the ceasefire agreement of 2003 due to the heavy losses of civilian and military lives across the LoC.

    “Cessation of firing is in the interest of building trust between the two armies, for giving chance to peace and for the benefit of the population residing along the LoC,” he said.

    The Army Chief said India would like to continue with the ceasefire so that it contributes to stability and improvement in the relationship.

    “It is the first step towards the long road of normalisation of relations with Pakistan. From our side, we would like to continue with the ceasefire so that it contributes to stability and improvement in the relationship,” he said.

    Gen Naravane also said that recruitment of local youths into militant outfits has also witnessed reduction, adding it is an indicator that the common people desired peace.

    “We remain committed to providing a conducive environment for peace to prevail. Economic activity had commenced well this year but has been slowed down due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

    “I am sure that this is a temporary pause and commercial activities will resume soon as, during the winter months, we had seen a record number of tourists visiting the Valley,” he noted.

    At the same time, he said smuggling of weapons and narcotics remained a concern and there have been attempts to use unmanned systems after individuals have been caught.

    “We continue to monitor these developments and maintain a robust counter-infiltration grid. We do not want the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to indulge in drugs, crime or violence,” he said.

    “The youth are bright and many have demonstrated their capability by doing well in sports and academics, bringing laurels to their families, their village, town, district and the union territory,” he said.

    Gen Naravane said the Indian Army actively encourages such aspirations by organising various sports and educational events.

    “We remain hopeful that the menace will end with concerted efforts of the government and ‘Awaam’,” he noted.

    Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue.

    The neighbouring country stepped up its anti-India campaign after New Delhi announced in August 2019 its decision to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.

    India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

    It has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.

  • Armies of India, Pakistan exchange sweets on Eid 

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  The Line of Control between India and Pakistan saw a pleasant change on Thursday with the soldiers of both India and Pakistan exchanging sweets and pleasantries on the occasion of Eid.  

    The soldiers met at multiple points in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is being said that this show of bonhomie and harmony will help create an atmosphere of trust on both sides.

    “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the tradition of exchanging sweets between India and Pakistan on major festivals like Eid, Holi, Diwali and respective National days was revived and meetings were held at the Tithwal crossing on Kishanganga River in Tangdhar, Kupwara & Kaman Aman Setu in Uri to exchange sweets and pleasantries,” the Indian Army said in a statement. 

    “Indian Army and Pakistan Army celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on the Line of Control (LoC) at Poonch-Rawalakot Crossing Point and Mendhar-Hotspring Crossing Point in Poonch district,” the Army statement said.

    The ceremony is seen as a confidence-building measure,  in the backdrop of the recently agreed ceasefire. 

    The gesture was appreciated by both the Armies and is expected to promote goodwill and mutual trust.

    The two countries agreed to strict observance of ceasefire along the Line of Control and other sectors with effect from February 25.

  • India, Pakistan armies exchange sweets at LoC on Eid-ul-Fitr

    By PTI
    SRINAGAR/JAMMU: The armies of India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged sweets at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, defence officials said.

    “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the tradition of exchanging sweets between India and Pakistan on major festivals like Eid, Holi, Diwali and respective National days was revived and meetings were held at the Tithwal crossing on Kishanganga River in Tangdhar, Kupwara and Kaman Aman Setu in Uri to exchange sweets and pleasantries,” a spokesperson said in Srinagar.

    Meanwhile, an official said in Jammu: “Indian and Pakistan army exchanged sweets on the occasion of Eid today at Chakan Da Bagh crossing point Mendhar-hotspring crossing along the LoC in Poonch.

    They said the sweets and compliments were exchanged by both the armies in an atmosphere of bonhomie and festivities in wake of the newly achieved calm along the LoC as a result of renewed ceasefire which has brought warmth between the two neighbours.

    The gesture was appreciated by both the armies and expected to promote goodwill and mutual trust, they said.

    “Exchange of inadvertently crossed over youths on three occasions in the last two months at the zero line in Tithwal bode well for the future,” the spokesperson said.

    The exchange of sweets and pleasantries was conducted with full adherence to all COVID protocols by both sides, they said.

  • Zero infiltration along LoC for second year due to upgraded infrastructure, heavy snowfall

    Express News Service
    SRI NAGAR: For the second consecutive year, there has been zero infiltration of militants in militancy-hit Kashmir from across the Line of Control (LoC) in first three months this year, thanks to upgrading of the counter infiltration grid and heavy snowfall in the winter.

    The LoC in the Kashmir Valley falls in three districts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora in north Kashmir. Due to the heavy snowfall, all the infiltration routes to the Valley got closed, they said.

    As the LoC is calm due to  no ceasefire violations from Pakistani troops from mid-February, the officials are looking at means and ways to reduce infiltration to near zero even during the summer, when the mountain passes and infiltration routes are open. 

    On February 15, India and Pakistani militaries agreed to strongly adhere to the 2003 border ceasefire agreement and since then the LoC and International Border (IB) in J&K has been calm and quiet and there have been no ceasefire violations from either side.

    Not a single bullet or mortar shell has been fired by troops of two countries since February 16.

    The security official said Pakistani troops used to facilitate the infiltration of militants by firing on Indian army positions along the LoC.According to security officials, the counter infiltration grid has been strengthened by incorporating more security equipment to detect militant movement on the LoC, foil infiltration bids and prevent well-trained Pakistani militants from sneaking into the Valley.It is for the second consecutive year that there has been zero infiltration of militants in the first three months of a year.

    “Last year also, there was zero infiltration of militants from across the LoC in the first three months,” the official said.About seven-eight militants had infiltrated into the Valley during the same period in 2019.

    Security officials believe that if infiltration of militants and arms flow from across the LoC is controlled, then the militancy violence will come down as orces have launched “All Out” operation against militants.About 35 militants have been killed in encounters with security forces in the Valley this year, so far.