Arun Jaitley briefed about situation in Kashmir, LoC and IB

Asking soldiers to remain prepared to give a befitting reply to any misadventure from across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), Defence Minister Arun Jaitley lauded the valour, sacrifice and patriotic fervour of every soldier who is serving in these challenging situations for national integrity.

Chairing a high-level security meeting last night with senior Army commanders, he said the entire country was proud of soldiers. 

During the meeting, which was also attended by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, the Defence Minister was given a detailed briefing about the situation in hinterland and on LoC and IB, where Pakistani troops are violating ceasefire almost daily after the mutilation of bodies of two Indian soldiers on LoC in Poonch district.

Mr Jaitley, who arrived at Srinagar last evening from New Delhi, is scheduled to chair 14 GST council in a two-day meeting.

He was informed about the surge in militant activities, stone pelting by students and ceasefire violation.

However, the Defence Minister directed the field commanders on LoC and IB to remain prepared to give a befitting reply to any misadventure from across the border.'

The Army commanders informed Mr Jaitley about the measures already in place to foil any misadventure from across the border. He was also apprised about the counter infiltration grid along the LoC to foil any attempt by militants to sneak into this side.

He was informed that a large number of trained militants are waiting across the LoC at launch pads in Pakistan - occupied Kashmir (PoK) to sneak into this side during this summer.

However, the Army commander said that troops guarding the borders are on high alert to foil any infiltration attempt.

Mr Jaitley was also briefed on the close coordination among all the government agencies towards bringing back normalcy in the region.

However, Mr Jaitley has urged all to ensure safety of the innocent people while dealing with the inimical elements.

He was also given a detailed briefing about the situation in the valley, particularly South Kashmir districts, where over 50 local youths have joined militancy.        

This was the first visit of Mr Jaitley after taking additional charge of Defence Minister to Kashmir valley, where last couple of months witnessed a spurt in violence and militant attacks.

Five policemen and two employees of Jammu and Kashmir Bank were killed when militants of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) attacked a cash van in Kulgam. A young Kashmiri Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz was kidnapped and later killed by militants in Shopian.