Pakistan stepping up terror export, says military brass

NEW DELHI: India’s military brass on Friday accused Pakistan of drastically stepping-up ceasefire violations to push in as many militants as possible into J&K before winter sets in, but dismissed suggestions that a Kargil-like situation had developed in the Keran sector along the LoC.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne said, “There is increased intensity in border violations this year, which is there for the world to see... There have been far more violations... compared to the last two-three years.” He said Pakistan must “maintain the sanctity” of the ceasefire pact. He said the IAF is ready to help army in its operations against infiltrators in Keran sector.

Army chief Gen Bikram Singh, speaking separately, also stressed the infiltration attempts had “definitely’’ jumped up this year. But both the chiefs took pains to emphasize that the ‘Operation Shala Bhata’ in Keran, launched after 30-40 terrorists and Pakistani “special troops” intruded across the LoC on September 24, was “a localized, tactical” operation.

Holding that no posts or village had been “occupied” by the infiltrators, Gen Singh said, “They have been stopped ... Operations are on to flush them.” On Friday, at least three militants were killed in another infiltration bid in Keran sector along the LoC.