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Army casualties mount in August, thanks to Pak shelling

Casualties among officers and soldiers of the Indian Army combating insurgencies shot up last month, mainly because of the Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir.

In August, five officers, two junior commissioned officers, and 50 soldiers were killed and 17 officers, 17 JCOs, and 147 soldiers were injured in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, according to figures released by the army's adjutant-general, Lieutenant General S S Grewal.

"Most of the casualties occurred in Kashmir, especially due to shelling from across the border," he said.

In July, two officers, five JCOs, and 36 soldiers were killed and 10 officers, 10 JCOs, and 107 soldiers were wounded in the operations.

"We must also remember that about 10 per cent of those wounded are rendered paraplegic," Lt Gen Grewal said, adding, "Counter-insurgency operation is almost like a war."

The general said casualties were higher also because of the high-calibre weapons being used by the militants now.

"We are awaiting court orders to liberalise the special pension scheme for war widows," he said. Counter-insurgency operations could be treated on par with a war, he suggested.

Lt Gen Grewal said there would be more recruitment of men from the north-eastern states this year to try and "wean the youth away from insurgency".

UNI

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