Srinagar: Asserting that Pakistani troops violate ceasefire to help militants t0 infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Srinagar-based Army’s 15 Corps Lt Gen AK Bhatt said the ultras are waiting in groups of 30-40 at different places along the Line of Control (LoC) to sneak into the state.
Meanwhile, he said Army resorted to firing at Shopian, which resulted in the death of three civilians last month, only because the officers feared lynching.
“Ceasefire violation is being done from the other side to facilitate infiltration of militants into the state. The incident (ceasefire violation) which happened in Tanghdar in Kupwara was also carried out to facilitate infiltration of militants,” Lt Gen Bhatt told reports on the sideline of a Passing Out Cum Attestation Parade at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) centre at Old Air Field in Rengreth on the city outskirts on Monday.
He said the militants are in a groups of 30 to 40 at various places along the LoC on the others side from Leepa Valley to Mandal to Rampur. However, he said, troops are already on high alert to foil any such attempt.
When asked about the Shopian incident, the GOC 15 Corps said Army doesn’t open fire until they fear threat to their life. “The matter is sub-judice so I will not go into the details of the incident. But, I can assure you that our men don’t open fire until they are fear their fear their life is in danger,” he said.
“On that day our jawans opened fire when they feared lynching,” he said, adding the Army has restrained itself from opening fire on civilians and will continue to do so.
Appealing youth to join the Army and be a part of the mainstream, he said, “Over 100 youth have on Monday joined the Army. Similarly, other youth can join the Army and be a part of the country.”
The Lt Gen said that the focus of the Army is the bridge the gap and be closer to the civilian population.
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