Srinagar, Aug 22: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has directed the forces in Jammu and Kashmir to remain alert on borders and intensified vigil on infiltration routes along Line of control (LOC).
The Border Security Force (BSF) under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Armed Forces under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India are deployed on Line of control in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Top source said that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the troops to maintain the highest possible vigilance along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla, Kupawara and other districts of the Union territory.
“Terrorists will try to sneak into this side. They will attempt infiltration in these remaining summer months, so that we should be remaining careful and vigilant,” the Defence Minister has told the troops after reviewing the border situation.
“You need to take measures, and beef up your counter-infiltration posture to take care of the situation.”
Sources said that the Defence minister gave such a direction in a detailed briefing on the overall security situation along the borders in the Jammu and Kashmir and in the hinterland by senior Army officials.
Meanwhile sources said that the top Army officials regularly visited the forward posts on the Line of Control and in the hinterland to review the overall security scenario in the Kashmir Valley.
“The top Army officials were briefed on the current situation on the Line of Control including the counter infiltration grid and operational preparedness. The Army Commanders have laid special emphasis on maintaining the sanctity of the ceasefire as per the understanding reached by DGMOs.
However they have reiterated the necessity of not letting our guard down.
Sources said that Borders have been put on alert following Intelligence reports of the presence of a group of infiltrators close to the launching pads.
The intelligence agencies are of the opinion that higher reaches of Kashmir remain blocked due to snow for four to five months and infiltration begins before the winter months.
Meanwhile sources said that the Army and Border security forces have intensified patrolling in mountainous valleys and riverine areas along the LoC in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch and Rajouri districts to foil any infiltration. One of the top officials in the Army said that the troops along the LoC are on the highest degree of alertness in the wake of any possible infiltrations.
