Srinagar: With the onset of winter season, there is no denying that Pakistan may raise tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) to divert attention from its internal issues. A top commander of the army said this.
Lt Gen. BS Raju, the Chief of the Army’s 15th Corps, said there are continued reports of 200-250 terrorists in launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) looking for a chance to infiltrate
Strategically important, it is responsible for maintaining surveillance around the core Line of Control and combating terrorism in remote areas. The top commander of the army also talked about the recently concluded District Development Council elections and said he was happy that the elections were held in a peaceful manner and people came out to vote to strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is now up to the elected representatives to work for the people and people should also ask them for development,” he said.
On winter posturing along the LoC wherein infiltration is more likely through lower heights, he said there are continued reports of 200-250 terrorists in launch pads in PoK looking for a chance to infiltrate.
“They will try to exploit bad weather to infiltrate, but the security forces are focusing on both direct infiltration into Kashmir through the LoC and those attempted through the south of Pir Panjal. Deployment on LOC is strong and surveillance equipment is in place at many levels.”
“To divert the attention of its people from internal issues, Pakistan can raise tensions on the border even in the winter season by infiltrating terrorists or violating the ceasefire,” the army commander said. In both the situations we are ready and will give a befitting reply to any such daring. ”
By internal political unrest in Pakistan, the top Army officer was referring to the threat given to the Imran Khan government by an alliance of 11 political parties, the Pakistan Democratic Movement to resign by January 31 next year.