No ceasefire violation, only two successful infiltration attempts this year in Kashmir: GOC 15 Corps

Lt Gen D P Pandey, General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 Corps on Monday said that there has been no ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Kashmir since February this year when the armies of India and Pakistan reiterated their commitment to uphold the 2003 ceasefire agreement.
“At least in the Kashmir Valley, there have been zero ceasefire violations this year. Also, there has been no instigation from across the border, but we are prepared and alert to respond to any challenge or ceasefire violation,” said GOC.

The 15 Corps commander said that only two successful infiltration attempts have been reported this year but the infiltration attempts have not been supported by the ceasefire violations. “There have been some attempts of infiltration but they are not supported by the CFVs. Only two successful attempts have been made this year. We have neutralized one group in Bandipora and we are looking at the second incident,” he said.

The second attempt of infiltration has been reported from Uri, where the operation has been going on for the last 24 hours. “There is no clarity on where they are on this side or have gone back after attempting to infiltrate...The actual position is yet to be verified from the ground,” he said.

The army commander while referring to the presence of the militants on ground said that the police officials put the number of Pakistani militants in the Valley anywhere between 60 to 70. “These Pakistanis aren’t engaging in any attack or operation...They try to put the local youth on the forefront, so that when he gets killed in an encounter, it instigates others in the society…,” GOC said. On the question of Taliban’s influence in the region and possibility of its repercussions in Jammu and Kashmir, the 15 Corps commander said, “You are safe and we will keep you safe.”

The 15 Corps commander was speaking on the sidelines of a felicitation function of two batches of students, who qualified NEET exam after completing coaching from Super 30 (Medical), a joint CSR project of the Army with HPCL and National Integrity and Educational Development Organization. GOC Chinar Corps complimented the efforts and dedication of the students and support of their parents. He announced that the fourth batch will commence on September 25. “In line with Chinar Corps’ efforts to empower women, 20 girl students are being considered for the fourth batch. The selected girls will join the fourth batch after a month. The fourth batch will host 50 students - 30 boys and 20 girls. Necessary infrastructure development will also be undertaken to support the project,” said GOC.