Jammu, December 18
The authorities today evacuated civilians from villages along the Line
of Control (LoC) following heavy shelling by Pakistani troops in
Noushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said here
tonight.
Terming the situation as “tense” along the LoC, the sources
said troops got the people of Makri, Feer, Karali and Nab to vacate
the villages following heavy shelling by Pakistani troops since last
night.
The villagers have been taken to safer places, the sources said,
adding the situation was “tense” in Noushera sector.
However, no casualties have been reported from the areas hit by
Pakistani shelling.
A top Army officer, when contacted, said, however, that the situation
was “well under control.”
“We are on high alert and prepared for any situation”, the
sources said, adding adequate action had been taken to counter
Pakistani shelling.
Indian and Pakistani troops have exchanged fire at several points on
the international border, defence sources said here today.
There were no reports of loss of life or property from anywhere
following the exchange.
The exchange occurred at Kanachak, Gole Pattan and Panjour in Jammu
district and at Mangu Chak, Sadhey Chak, Dalma Chak and Chachwali in
Kathua district.
There were also reports of mortar shelling in some places along the
Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch and Rajouri sectors of Jammu.
Pakistani troops were expected to go back on December 9 after their
winter exercise, but were retained in the border areas.
JAMMU: Following the threat of Pakistani misadventure on the
LoC Indian Army units deployed to carry out counter-insurgency
operations within Jammu and Kashmir, are being gradually shifted to
the border.
Defence Ministry sources said following a heavy military build-up
by Pakistan on the other side of the LoC, , “We have to be on the
alert and additional forces are being sent to the border for meeting
any challenge.”
India has ordered the cancellation of leave to armed forces
officials in Jammu and Kashmir after Pakistan cancelled leave of its
troops and ordered them to be on duty on the border.
Col R.K. Satyan, Commander, Pallanwala area, Akhnoor sector, today
told a group of mediapersons that heavy military build-up by Pakistan
had been seen “by air troops.” He said, “We have been directed
to be on a high alert.”
He said besides the movement of additional troops, the other side
continued to resort to firing with small arms.
To a question, he said, “We are fully prepared for meeting any
challenge. However, the plan of attacking terrorists camps across the
border rests with the higher authorities. Once we receive the green
signal, we are ready to strike.”
During a visit to the border, newsmen did not notice any movement
of Indian troops, except for soldiers being moved from their distant
barracks to the LoC.
As part of precautionary measures, Army phones have been delinked
from civilian phone lines. Defence sources said these steps were being
taken to prevent the enemy from intercepting conversation on Army
telephones. Timely electronic intercepts have helped avert possible
strikes at vital Army and defence installations planned by militants
during the month of Ramzan, intelligence sources said here today.
“Through intercepts, we gathered information that militants were
trying to create problems in main Jammu during Ramzan. However,
through vigil we have been able to avert such attempts,” the sources
added.
Following the recent attempt by a suicide squad to strike the
Poonch police station, the security forces became more vigilant and
made all efforts to thwart plans of militants, which led to many
unsuccessful destruction operations.
Expressing concern over the easy access to police and Army
fatigues, the sources said the militants, who take part in suicide
operations were using such uniforms, making it a difficult task to
establish their identity.
Demanding a national ban on the sale of these fatigues, the sources
said though such a ban has been ordered by the district administration
but there has not been any significant achievement.
