Indian Army says it is prepared to deal with any misadventure from across LoC

Amid daily reports of cross-border firing and massive surge in infiltration attempts, the Indian army on Tuesday said that it is prepared to deal with any misadventure from across the LoC by Pakistani troops or terrorists.

"Along the LoC, our preparedness is of the highest degree. The Indian Army is ready to deal with any misadventure from across the LoC, whether it is by regulars or otherwise," General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 corps Lt Gen Satish Dua was quoted saying to PTI.

He highlighted the competence of the army as he said that the recent spurt in infiltration attempts from across the LoC, post-the-carrying out of surgical strikes were successfully foiled by the Indian army.

"I do admit that some infiltration has taken place, but the encounters along the LoC and the number of militants eliminated shows the preparedness of the Army," he said.

Lt. Gen. Dua however refused to comment on the surgical strikes by the Army in PoK last month.

"I do not have any different point of view," he added.

Commenting on the unrest in Kashmir, Lt. Gen. Dua dismissed the notion that there was a trust deficit between the Army and the Kashmiri youth. Dua said while there were some misguided youths who take part in protests, the majority were with the armed forces.

"Recently, one of our vehicles met with an accident and our jawans were trapped inside the vehicle. It was the local Kashmiri youths who extricated the jawans. We have conducted some anti-militancy operations recently and the youths have not indulged in stone-pelting after the purpose of the operation was explained to them," he said.

Meanwhile, a day after a jawan was killed in firing by Pakistani troops, defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday lauded the efforts of the Indian army.

"Ceasefire violations have taken place in hundreds for the last five-six years. Check out the figures. The only difference is that if they do it now, we give a befitting reply," he was quoted saying to PTI.