Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: Army’s Western Command chief Lt Gen KJ Singh said today that there were “very definite and disturbing” inputs about possible terror attack when the Parliament is in session as the militants want to create “maximum media impact” of the attack even as he declared that the troops were ready to foil any such attack (by the militants).
Declaring that the entire International Border will be searched for more tunnels after detection of one tunnel in RS Pura sector on Thursday, the Army Commander lauded the BSF for thwarting the major terror plot by unearthing the tunnel.
Speaking to reporters after addressing ‘Mega Veterans Rally’ at Pathankot this morning, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command, said the militants wanted to create “maximum media impact” of their terror attacks and with Parliament in session and Maha Shivratri festival soon, there were very “strong inputs” that the militants were planning to carry out an attack in the country.
“We are prepared to thwart any such attack. We have taken steps. Our troops are on full alert,” he said.
Asked to elaborate on inputs about the terror attack, he refused but said such events are planned to create “maximum media impact”.
“See elaboration is neither required nor warranted. These events (terror attacks) are planned to create maximum media impact and when can you create a media impact when Parliament is in session, when a festival is taking place, so both happen to be going on. So that is why, there are inputs but we have taken steps against that. I must assure you of that,” he said and added that such “mischievous” activities will not deter a great nation as the Indian Army is fully geared to meet any eventuality.
“We want to tell whoever has got these mischievous intentions that nothing can deter us, one Pathankot, one Arnia, one Janglot, one more Samba, cannot deter us. This nation is too great. Indian Army is fully organised. We will take care of every situation,” Lt Gen Singh said.
Replying to a question on next between Pakistan-based terrorist commanders and Kashmiri militants, who were reportedly in touch with each other for terror attack in the country, the top Army Commander said that there were some inputs to this effect.
“There are certain inputs. There are certain indications. I should only tell you this much that we are fully prepared for that,” he added.
On the proposed visit of Pakistan’s Joint Investigating Team (JIT) to probe January 2 terror attack at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base at Pathankot, Lt Gen Singh said measures need to be taken so that the team is not able to gather strategic information.
Asserting that it was the Government of India that has to take final call on the visit of Pakistan’s JIT to Pathankot for investigations in the terror attack, Lt Gen Singh said: “this is not in my domain. That investigation is being done by the National Investigating Agency (NIA). There are other agencies dealing with it. But our Government will take an appropriate call. We have capable people and I don’t think we have anything to hide. We have nothing to hide.”
However, the Army Commander said, his troops have to ensure that Pakistan’s JIT was not able to get strategic information during the visit.
“Only thing, the team (Pakistan’s JIT) which comes should not be able to gather strategic information. For that, due measures will be taken, I am sure of that. Otherwise our Government has got agencies,” he added.
On detection of a tunnel by the BSF in RS Pura sector, which originated from Pakistan, Lt Gen KJ Singh said the BSF has foiled major terror plot with timely detection of the tunnel.
Describing it (the tunnel) on the IB as “very serious matter”, the Army Commander said the BSF has started the process to look for more tunnels. The drive will continue.
Asserting that the tunnel had been dug clearly to facilitate infiltration attempt by the militants, he said: “this was not meant for launching the narcotics smugglers. If there were more tunnels, they will also be traced”.
He added that a survey will be carried out in all the border areas to see if there are any more such tunnels..
“Definitely, a major terrorist attack has been foiled with the detection of the tunnel. It is a very serious matter. We are going to survey the entire fencing and put in place the measures to seal whatever gaps are there,” the Western Army Commander said.
Congratulating the BSF for detecting the tunnel and thwarting terrorist attack, Lt Gen Singh said they (the BSF) have done a good job. “They undertook a special drive and detected the tunnel. They will take up similar drive in other areas and if there were more tunnel, they would also be found,” he added.
Noting that the border villagers also have role to play in security measures, he said everyone should remain vigilant.
“We should tell villagers to remain vigilant. There were many things that can be done by them (the border dwellers),” the Army Commander said.
About Pakistan sending a team to review security arrangements for the World Cup T20 match, he said: “as a soldier, I do not go into these domains and all this I only look at the things which are relevant to me. For me, it is relevant that in every such event I have to analyse the security challenges.
“If the cricket match takes place, then the security challenges associated with it are already being looked at and due measures will be put in place that I can assure you.”
Earlier, a Mega Veterans Rally was organised by Pathankot Sub Area under the Rising Star Corps, today. The rally was attended by approximately 3500 veterans to include 100 Veer Naris hailing from Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pathankot and Kangra districts. The rally was addressed by Lieutenant General K J Singh, Army Commander, Western Command who reassured the Veterans and Veer Naris that they shall always remain inseparable members of the Armed Forces fraternity.
The rally was held in close coordination with the State administration and Rajya Sainik Boards. The focus of the rally was to resolve anomalies in disbursement of pension, land and legal cases being confronted by the Veterans and Veer Naris.
A number of stalls from various welfare agencies and organisations of the Army and civil administration were set up at the venue. A medical team, fully equipped with modern equipment and medicines, was also in place. An ‘Employment Fair’ for advising Kith and Kin of Veterans and Veer Naris on employment avenues was also a major attraction.
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