The Hindu : National : Infiltration attempts across LoC increasing: Army chief

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Sunday, Jan 23, 2005

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National

Infiltration attempts across LoC increasing: Army chief

By Our Staff Reporter

JAMMU, JAN. 22. There have been increased attempts by militants in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to infiltrate the Line of Control in the recent past, the Chief of Army Staff, N.C. Vij, said here today.

Gen. Vij told reporters: "It is true infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC) have increased in the recent past. In order to foil these designs to escalate violence in the State, the troops are on alert and fencing along the Line of Control is also backing up the efforts of the soldiers." Steps had been taken to check infiltration "as curbing it would go a long way in our operations in the hinterland and in our drive to curb militancy."

On the recent incidents of firing along the LoC in Poonch district, Gen. Vij tried to play down the incident. "The firing has occurred but at this stage we cannot draw any conclusion. The firing is of a trivial nature and there has been restraint at our end. The ceasefire is still in vogue so there is no need for anybody to get panicky." He said he was waiting for a response from Pakistan which was investigating the matter.

Gen. Vij awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card to the Inspector-General of Police, K Ragendra Kumar, for his contribution in the anti-terrorist drive in the State.

2 militants killed

Two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were killed trying to infiltrate into Poonch district from across the LoC. The two militants were part of a group which was intercepted by the alarm system installed along the fencing.

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