Keran infiltration impossible without Pakistan Army knowledge: General Bikram Singh

NEW DELHI: Stating that the Indian Army is 'pretty satisfied' that Keran sector of Kashmir has been cleared of terrorists, Army chief General Bikram Singh told Times Now that it is impossible to infiltrate the area without the knowledge of Pakistan Army.

"It is impossible for terrorists to do any activity along the LoC without the knowledge of the Pakistani Army," he told Times Now. "The cover fire given to terrorists to allow them to infiltrate is given from the posts," he said.

Singh went on to assure that the 'inimical designs' of the terrorists will not succeed. "They are dealing with a professional army." "Lets have faith in the army and the soldier who is fighting at the LoC," he added.

Singh said the "desparate infiltration bid" by terrorists in Keran sector in Jammu and Kashmir has been foiled.

He sought to clarify that the infiltration attempt was not an "intrusion" as the enemy was not occupying higher ground but sitting in a "nallah" (rivulet).

"It was a desperate infiltration bid, which has been foiled," Gen Singh told reporters here on the sidelines of the Air Force Day parade.

The Army Chief said that seven of the terrorists involved in the Keran sector had apparently pulled out from there and tried to infiltrate from other areas but were gunned down by the security forces.



Watch: Army chief confirms Pak army's role in Keran infiltration






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.

A huge cache of arms and war-like stores were recovered by troops battling holed up terrorists in the Keran sector along the LoC in Kashmir for the 14th day even as the Union Government said Army was taking "appropriate" necessary measures.

An External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said further necessary action, as appropriate, will be taken if required based on the assessment of the current operations against the terrorists who infiltrated from across the Line of Control.

He said the recoveries include seven AK-47 rifles, four pistols, one sniper rifle, 20 UBGL grenades, two radio-sets and other war-like stores. Some medicines and food items were also recovered, he said.

Army had recovered three AK rifles, 10 pistols, five radio-sets and other items after the search operations in the sector, Col Mitra said. He did not take any questions.

In New Delhi, Government said maintenance of sanctity of LoC was of "primary importance" and asserted that after assessment, if required, it will take the matter further in the operations against the terrorists.

"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.

(With inputs from Times Now)