Infiltration down, Pakistan making attempts to send militants, says GOC 15 Corps

Reiterating his appeal to local militants to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstream and lead a normal and peaceful life with their families, Lt Gen Raju warned that those who are holding the gun will be dealt with sternly by the security forces.

This summer the infiltration has come down due to strict vigil maintained by the troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC), GOC told reporters on the sideline of Yusmarg festival in the central Kashmir district of Badgam today.

He said situation at the LoC is under control and this year the number of infiltration by militants was down as compared to previous year. This, he said, was possible because of strict vigil maintained by the troops guarding the LoC. However, next couple of months will be more important as Pakistan will try to send more militants into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to heavy snowfall, he said. He said Pakistani troops are violating ceasefire to push militants, waiting at launch pads, to enter this side. But, he said, troops are on high alert to foil any such attempt.

About the situation in hinterland, Lt Gen Raju said security forces conducted several successful operation against the militants.

''We again appeal to local youth, who have taken to militancy, to shun the path of gun and return to mainstream and live a peaceful life with their families',' he said.

However, he said, those who refused to laid down their arms will be dealt with sternly.

About situation in south Kashmir, where maximum operations were conducted by militants, he said things are returning back to normal. Traders , particularly dealing with fruit, are now doing their business normally, he said.