Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: Amidst heightened tensions along the International Border and Line of Control, Defence Minister AK Antony on Wednesday assured the nation that India’s armed forces are fully prepared to meet any challenge regarding border security.
India has witnessed a number of ceasefire violations along the LoC this year.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an event, Antony said: "The ceasefire violations are still continuing, but this year there is unusual developments taking place ... unusual sudden series of ceasefire violations on the International Border, which is more a matter of concern... And I am confident our security forces are capable of meeting any challenges and are handling the situation very efficiently."
Besides showing concerns over an unusual increase in ceasefire violations, Antony said an increase in attempted infiltration attempts is also worrisome.
Questioning the role of the Pakistani troops, Antony said it is impossible for terrorists to infiltrate without the support of the Pakistani Army.
“If both sides are guarded by armed forces, how can terrorists infiltrate from Pakistan border side,” asked Antony.
Casting a doubt, the Defence Minister said that if Pakistan is sincere in improving relations with India, what is the reason behind increasing number of infiltration attempts?
Another factor of concern, he said, is that the infiltrators are better equipped and prepared for a long haul inside India.
Pakistani troops have violated the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed by India and Pakistan in November 2003 at least 250 times since the beginning of this year so far.
Repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan have thrown lives of hundreds of border residents in Jammu region out of gear.
While some experts believe Pakistani troops resort to ceasefire violations to facilitate infiltration of armed guerrillas into Jammu and Kashmir, others argue this is done by Pakistan to keep the Kashmir issue alive at international fora.
