The Hindu : `Infiltration of terrorists still on'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 07, 2003

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`Infiltration of terrorists still on'

By Luv Puri

Jammu Dec. 6. A senior Army Commander today said that infiltration of armed terrorists from the Pakistani side was continuing though there had been no violation of the ceasefire agreement from the Indian or the Pakistani side along the Line of Control or the International Border.

Talking to reporters here, Lt. Gen. Ashok Kapoor, GOC, 16 Corps, said: "Not even a single incident of firing from either side has been reported after the enforcement of the ceasefire agreement in this sector.

The troops are closely monitoring the situation and are on high alert. But at the same time, some spurt in the infiltration of terrorists has been observed. There is no question of recalling of troops from sensitive areas. They will continue to take all precautions as per the standing instructions."

He flagged off a group of 100 Gujjar and Bakkerwal students of the State on an all-India tour. This is perhaps the first time that children of nomadic tribes of the State living in militancy-affected areas have been included in the tours conducted by the Army.

Referring to the opportunities being provided to the Gujjar-Bakkerwal youth to visit various places in the country as part of the Army's Sadbhavna scheme, Lt. Gen. Kapoor said that while operating in the hilly and mountainous region, the community had always remained in the forefront.

Its youth hardly got any exposure and educational opportunities and did not visit any place of historical importance in the country.

Even during the 1965 and 1971 wars, the community supported our forces a lot.

The Army had undertaken several welfare activities under the scheme.

The students on the all-India tour would be provided free boarding and lodging.

They will visit Delhi, Agra, Ajmer Sharief, Jaipur and Chandigarh.

Apart from sight seeing and joy rides, they will interact with students and prominent personalities in other parts of the country.

Fifteen teachers from the remote parts of Jammu are accompanying them.

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