Despite the recent confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan, infiltration of militants into Jammu and Kashmir is continuing and militant infrastructure in Pakistan is intact, a senior army officer said in Srinagar on Sunday.
Graphic: Infiltration along the LoC
"Infiltration of militants into Jammu & Kashmir from across the border is continuing and their numbers are larger than previous years. There have been increased sneaking-in attempts in June-July this year than last year," Lt Gen Hari Prasad told reporters on the eve of his retirement as General Officer commanding-in-chief, Northern Command.
He said notwithstanding the confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan, terrorist infrastructure, launching pads and communication network were intact across the line of control. Though he refused to directly comment on Pakistan's role in militancy, Lt Gen Prasad said there is a desperate attempt to push militants in from all over to continue the movement.
Sudden spurt in infiltration: Army
He said army troops had killed more ultras on the borders during the first seven months of the current year as compared to last year.
Lt Gen Prasad said army has had the bitter experience of announcing a ceasefire in 2000 as militants utilized the period to regroup and arm themselves and came back with a bang. "Personally I am against any such move," he said.
J&K infiltration less by 61 pc: Patil
However, the level of militancy had decreased to a large extent in the state as 75 per cent militant leadership had been eliminated, he said, adding that the army's five point strategy to dominate the LoC, preventing infiltration, eliminating militants in the hitherland, and winning the hearts and minds of the people during his tenure had worked well and there had been tremendous response from the people.