Ceasefire violation part of infiltration plan before snowfall: Army

Army today said the ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, which left two soldiers dead, was part of militants' plan to infiltrate into the Valley before the natural passes are closed by snowfall.

"It (ceasefire violation) seems to be an attempt to infiltrate more terrorists before the snowfall along the LoC," General Officer Commanding of the Army's 15 Corps Lt Gen S K Dua told reporters here.

He said there were intelligence inputs that around 300 militants were waiting for an opportunity to infiltrate at various launchpads on the other side of the LoC.

"There is increased pressure on them to infiltrate before the winter. Sometimes they just cross the LoC, open fire and then go back," the army officer said.

He said the infiltration from across the LoC was "next to nil" this year so far and the anti-infiltration grid was fully prepared to keep it that way.

"There has been not let off in the intent (to infiltrate) but the robust anti-infiltration grid has ensured that the attempts are foiled," Lt Gen Dua said.

Asked about the ceasefire violation in Gurez as it was not a traditional infiltration route, the army officer said, "They might have changed the tactics. The grid is coordinated and we are ready to take on the challenge."

On the killing of dreaded Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Abu Qasim last week, he said it was a major success for the security forces and would definitely dent the operational capabilities of the outfit.

In response to a query, Lt Gen Dua said if the Lashkar militants tried to stage retaliatory attacks, it would lead to more elimination of militants.
"We are prepared to deal with it," he added.