Further action after assessing situation along LoC: India

NEW DELHI: As the Army operation against the holed up militants in Keran Sector along the Line of Control in Kashmir continued, India today said maintenance of sanctity of LoC was of "primary importance" and asserted that after assessment, if required, it will take the matter further.

"We have repeatedly emphasised that the maintenance of sanctity of Line of Control is of primary importance. Even at the last meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, this issue was re- emphasised.

"As regard to the current situation, our armed forces who are responsible of sanctity undertaking currently appropriate necessary measures....Based on the outcome of those efforts, we will take the further necessary action, as appropriate," Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said here.

He also said if at the outcome of the efforts by the Army, there was a requirement for India "to take this further ahead, we will do so" after making an assessment.

Asked when will the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan will meet to lessen border tensions in the Kashmir region, as was agreed in the meeting between Singh and Sharif, he said the DGMOs talk every Tuesday and the meeting will depend on their telephonic conversation.

The Army launched a massive anti-infiltration operation in Shalbhatti village in Keran Sector on September 24 after noticing a group of 30 to 40 militants trying to sneak into the Valley.

In its 14th day today, the operation is on in a vast area along the Line of Control and so far seven militants have been killed -- three in Gujjardoor village on Friday and four in Fateh Gali area of the sector Saturday.