Pakistan military planes violated Indian air space twice this year

NEW DELHI: Pakistani military planes violated Indian air space twice this year and a total of 23 such incidents have taken place in the last three years, government told the Lok Sabha today.

In a written reply to the House, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "During the last three years, 2009-2011, and current year, 23 incidents of air violation by planes of Pakistan defence forces were reported."

Denying that there has been an increase in incidents of air space violation by aircraft of Pakistani defence forces, Antony said, "All such violations are analysed and taken up with concerned country through laid down channels as per established procedures."

The Minister was asked whether incidents of violation of international air space rules at Indo-Pak border by the planes of Pakistan defence forces are rising and the frequency of such violations by Pakistan during the last three years.

Giving details of the violation of air space, Antony said the Pakistani military aircraft violated Indian air space eight times in 2009.

Maximum number of these incidents took place in 2010 when the Pakistani planes transgressed into the Indian territory on 11 occasions. In 2011, two incidents were reported, he said.

In reply to a question on recent military exercise 'Shoor Veer' along the western border, Antony said, "The exercise was conducted as part of periodic training event to practice battle drills and procedures in the designated areas of training."

The exercise was conducted in Suratgarh in Rajasthan from April 20 to May 5 and elements of Indian Air Force (IAF) had also participated in it, he said.