'Prepared to deal with any misadventure from across LoC'

The army on Tuesday said it was prepared to deal with any misadventure from across the Line of Control by Pakistani troops or terrorists in the wake of surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

“Along the LoC, our preparedness is of the highest degree. The Indian Army is ready to deal with any misadventure from across the LoC, whether it is by regulars or otherwise,” General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 corps Lt Gen Satish Dua said.

He said there has been a spurt in infiltration attempts from across the LoC, but the army foiled most of these bids as is evident from the encounters taking place near the LoC.

“I do admit that some infiltration has taken place, but the encounters along the LoC and the number of militants eliminated shows the preparedness of the army,” he said.

Gen Dua refused to comment on the surgical strikes by the army in PoK last month, saying the armed force and the political leadership has already said whatever was to be said about it.

“I do not have any different point of view,” he added.

Asked if there was a trust deficit between the army and the Kashmiri youth, Gen Dua said while there were some misguided youths who take part in protests, the majority were with the armed forces.

“Recently, one of our vehicles met with an accident and our jawans were trapped inside the vehicle. It was the local Kashmiri youths who extricated the jawans.

“We have conducted some anti-militancy operations recently and the youths have not indulged in stone-pelting after the purpose of the operation was explained to them,” he said.

Replying to a question, Lt Gen Dua said there were reports of some boys having joined militant ranks, but their exact number could not be ascertained due to the unrest.

“Police have been carrying out raids and making arrests due to which some boys have gone into hiding. So it is difficult to put a specific number to how many of them have joined the terror groups.

“Some boys have gone across (the LoC), I do concede that. There are some misguided youths and we hope to bring them back into the mainstream. The unrest is only affecting the poor,” he added.

The general said the weapon snatching from security forces by militants was a cause of concern.

Asked about the September 18 Uri attack in which 19 soldiers were killed, he said the army has learnt lessons and implemented improvements after the incident. Lt Gen Dua said soldiers equivalent to two brigades, in addition to Central Reserve Police Force personnel, have been inducted for maintaining law and order in the Valley.

The purpose of these additional army units has been to calm things down. Since these units have come up around Eid, things have actually calmed down in south Kashmir. You will very soon see peace and quiet in the Valley again, he said.