NEW DELHI, Jan 11:
India today said the repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir were a matter of “serious concern” and the provocative action of killing of two soldiers was a “turning point”.
Defence Minister A K Antony said there were “enough troops” in Jammu and Kashmir and the government was taking all steps to protect the interest of the country.
The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries were in touch, he said, adding “let us see the result of that talk”.
Antony said such kind of occasional ceasefire violations and firing was a matter of serious concern.
“It is not an isolated incident, it’s increasing from the last one year. Ceasefire violations are also increasing. It is a matter of concern to us and the tragic, provocative actions two days back, that was a turning point at the moment,” the Defence Minister said.
“This kind of occasional ceasefire violations and firing is a serious concern, because even though violence level in Kashmir has come down compared to the past, infiltration attempts are increasing,” he said.
The minister said, “We are closely monitoring the whole development and our entire border and Indian troops were on alert.
“At the same time, we have directed the DGMO to be in touch with his counterpart. Let’s see the result of that talk. The government, in a coordinated manner, is closely monitoring the situation and we will take every step to protect our interest and prestige of our armed forces,” Antony said.
Asked about the incident being discussed in the Cabinet
Committee on Security and if he saw any change in India’s process of negotiation with Pakistan, Antony said, “Yesterday, there was a CCS meeting where there was a discussion about this development. I can’t reveal what transpired there.”
When asked about reports that jawans of the unit whose soldiers were brutally killed refused to eat till they are allowed to retaliate, he said, “I have no such reports.”
Antony said there were enough troops in Jammu and Kashmir and jawans and officers are capable and determined to face the situation.
Asked about involvement of LeT in the incident, Antony said, “I don’t want to go into details now. DGMOs are in close touch. Let us see the result. We are taking this very seriously.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office V Narayanaswamy said India will ensure that Pakistan follows the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
Terming the recent incidents along the Line of Control as “unfortunate”, he said, “As far as the Government of India is concerned, the agreement we have signed and the understanding was there on the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. It has to be honoured”.
“If Pakistan violates, we will take it up with them and we will ensure that they should follow whatever the agreement introduced by the Government of India and Pakistan on the ceasefire issue,” he said.
He also said the relationship between the two countries, which are developing, should not be disturbed. (PTI)
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