Jammu (NVI): There will be no let-up in counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of the ceasefire agreement between armies of India and Pakistan on the Line of Control (LoC) which came into effect from February 25, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Y K Joshi said today.
Addressing a function, he said there has been significant improvement in the security situation in Kashmir and efforts are continuing to ensure peace in the valley and rest of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Recently, Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan announced ceasefire on LoC from the midnight of February 24/25. I can assure you that this ceasefire will have no impact on counter-terrorist operations and we will maintain alertness,” said Gen Joshi, whose area of responsibility covers entire J&K and Ladakh.
His remarks assume significance as these allay any kind of impression that the border ceasefire could result in slackness in counter-terrorism operations, since most of the ceasefire violations are carried out by Pakistan army to provide cover to push terrorists into India.
Gen Joshi said the end to firing on the LoC would help the people in the border areas to live in an environment of peace.
The ceasefire was first agreed upon by the two countries in November 2003. However, it remained effective only for a few years and has been violated by Pakistan thousands and thousands of times over the years. The ceasefire violations by Pakistan are mostly to give cover to terrorists infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir.
According to recent government data, there were 11,000 border ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last three years only. In these, more than 140 people, including civilians and security forces, were killed on the Indian side.
Last year, Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violations 5,133 times, in which 46 Indian security forces personnel were killed, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Parliament earlier this month.
He said there had been 299 incidents of ceasefire violations this year, till January 28.
Talking about the security situation in Kashmir, Gen Joshi said the last eyar saw significant improvement in it. “There has been a big decrease in violent incidents,” the Northern Army Commander said.
He said there has been significant improvement in defence preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions and these efforts continue.
He said equal efforts are being put in to strengthen the armed forces and ensuring peace and security.
