NEW DELHI, Aug 19:
Amid escalation of skirmishes on the LoC, India today warned Pakistan that its restraint should not be taken for granted and asserted that the recent killing of five soldiers will have “consequences” on bilateral ties.
Defence Minister A K Antony said Indian troops are strongly and effectively retaliating Pakistan’s unprovoked firing on the Line of Control as members cutting across party lines in the Rajya Sabha demanded befitting response.
Making a suo motu statement on the August 6 killing of five Indian soldiers in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the Government has taken the incident “very very seriously” and “mood” of the House and the nation will be factored into the actions to preserve the sanctity of the LoC.
He, however, remained evasive on questions by members including Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley as to whether talks will be held with Pakistan at the top political level as there are plans for a meeting between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his counterpart Nawaz Sharif in New York next month.
“Naturally, this incident will have consequences on our behaviour on the LoC and for our relations with Pakistan,” Antony said.
“Our restraint should not be taken for granted nor should the capacity of our armed forces and resolve of the Government to uphold the sanctity of the LoC ever be doubted,” he said.
He said Army troops have been mobilised to effectively retaliate every violation on the LoC and “they will do everything to ensure the sanctity of the LoC and The nation”.
The Defence Minister tried to defend his initial statement in Parliament on August 6 that “20 heavily armed terrorists along with persons dressed in Pakistan Army uniform” were responsible for the killing, saying that was based on the information available at that time.
“At 2 O’clock, the incident took place… There was some confusion in Kashmir. It is there. I won’t say here. That won’t help us…. They were in doubt. I don’t want to say in detail,” he said.
Antony said the Government received more information on the incident after the visit of Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh to J&K.
The Minister said the number of ceasefire violations have gone up in the last few years. In 2011, there were 61 violations while in 2012, the figure rose to 117.
“This year, there have been 82 violations till August and still four months are left. From August 6 till today morning till 6 am, there have been 24 violations including the tragedy in which our soldiers were killed in Poonch,” Antony said.
He said the Army was ready to protect the sanctity of the LoC at any cost.
It has now become clear that specialist troops of Pakistani army were involved in the August 6 attack on the Indian side of the LoC, Antony said, adding that a group from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) had crossed the LoC and killed the jawans.
“We all know that nothing happens from Pakistan side of the LoC without support, assistance, facilitation and often, direct involvement of the Pakistan army,” Antony said.
“Those in Pakistan who are responsible for this tragedy and the brutal killing of two soldiers earlier this year should not go unpunished,” he said.
Antony said Pakistan should also show determined action to dismantle the terrorists networks, organisations and infrastructure and show tangible movement on bringing those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack in November, 2008 to justice quickly.
Earlier, members from various parties demanded a befitting reply to Pakistan and asked the Government to take prompt action.
Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley questioned whether the environment is conducive for an engagement with Pakistan at the highest political level given the current circumstances.
Avinash Raj Khanna (BJP) said a strong message should be sent to Pakistan, while his party colleague Basawaraj Patil demanded that the Government should revisit its foreign policy.
Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC) wanted to know what Antony meant when he talked about “consequence” and wondered why the Government was not taking any action.
Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) asked whether the Ministry has ordered Indian army to go to the Pakistani territory and ambush their camps.
D Raja (CPI) asked what would be Government’s strategy on Pakistan from now on.
Ram Kripal Yadav (RJD) said the Government must reply to Pakistan in strongest terms.
Meanwhile, after the killing of five Indian soldiers by Pakistan Army troops in Poonch sector on August 6, 24 ceasefire violations have taken place marking an increase in the frequency of breach of truce, Antony said.
“This year, there have been 82 violations till August and still four months are left. From August 6 till today morning till 6 am, there is increase in frequency with 24 violations taking place including the tragedy in which our soldiers were killed in Poonch,” he said.
The Defence Minister observed that the number of ceasefire violations have gone up in the last few years as in 2011, there were 61 violations while in 2012, the figure rose to 117.(PTI)
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