Did Pakistan Violate the Ceasefire on the LoC in J&K’s Keran Sector?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire on the LoC in J&K’s Keran sector.
- Indian troops responded effectively with no casualties reported.
- The incident raises concerns over border security and infiltration attempts.
- J&K has a complex geographical layout with a long LoC and international border.
- Ongoing vigilance is essential to ensure national security.
Srinagar, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Pakistan Army breached the ceasefire agreement on the Line of Control (LoC) during the night in the Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday, when soldiers from the Rashtriya Rifles came under fire.
According to an official, “The incident occurred while troops from the 6 Rashtriya Rifles were in the process of installing advanced surveillance cameras in the Keran Bala area to enhance border security and address blind spots along the LoC. Pakistani forces fired two rounds of small arms in an attempt to disrupt the installation of these cameras.”
“In retaliation, Indian forces fired a single calibrated shot. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from either side during this exchange,” the official added.
“Following the brief clash, the Indian Army initiated a cordon and search operation in the thickly forested area, as there are suspicions that the gunfire could have served as a diversion for an infiltration attempt,” officials stated.
The Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers have frequently violated the ceasefire along the LoC and the international border (IB) in J&K, either to facilitate the infiltration of terrorists into the Union Territory or to obstruct the installation of surveillance equipment along the border.
J&K has a 740-km-long LoC that stretches across the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora in the Kashmir Valley, as well as parts of Poonch, Rajouri, and the Jammu district of the Jammu division.
The 240-km-long IB is located in the districts of Samba, Kathua, and Jammu within the Jammu division.
The LoC is monitored by the army, while the IB is overseen by the Border Security Force (BSF).
The responsibilities of the deployed army and the BSF include anti-infiltration operations, monitoring trans-border smuggling, and addressing drone activities originating from the Pakistani side.
The J&K Police and other security forces conduct anti-terrorism operations in the hinterland, targeting terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.