Surgical strikes by Army across LoC: Envoys of different nations, including P5, briefed about India's position

In the first such action, India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC.

File photo - Representational image (North Block)

Delhi: Post surgical strikes carried out by Army on terror launch pads across the LoC, envoys of different nations (including P5) were briefed by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday about India's position.

The announcement of the sudden action by the Army to prevent fresh terror attacks was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on Army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the attackers would not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans would not go in vain.

"Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads," General Singh told a news conference during which MEA spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present.

The announcement was made soon after PM Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

PM Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former premier Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes.

Sharing details, General Singh said that the operations were basically focused "to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country."

"During these counter-terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them. The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said, as per PTI.

The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained India's concerns and also shared with him details of the operation.

"It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country. In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region." 

Statement by DGMO #IndianArmy on 29 Sep 16 pic.twitter.com/ckYOApWcHQ — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 29, 2016

(With Agency inputs)