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Defence ministry denies alert, build-up along LoC

The defence ministry today said there was no build-up or general alert on the borders along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir as was being propagated by the media in Pakistan.

''With the onset of summer and opening of passes in May in the valley sector, Pakistan habitually resorts to firing to abet infiltration. The same pattern has been repeated this year too. After exercising utmost restraint, our troops retaliated appropriately in Kanzalwan and Machhal sectors,'' the defence ministry said.

The defence ministry's reaction came following news reports which gave an impression of increased tension and build-up along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

It said firing along the LoC had been endemic, primarily due to Pakistan's assistance to the infiltrators, mostly foreign militants. The firing showed an increase during the last winter months in the Poonch-Rajouri-Jammu areas, due to Pakistan's definite efforts to activate these sectors, while the valley areas were comparatively quiet.

''Escalation in the firing (now) is primarily due to greater attempts to infiltrate militants across the LoC and provide covering fire during the passage,'' the defence ministry said.

UNI

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