Surge in ceasefire violations

Since the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) a month back, as many as 57 ceasefire violations have been recorded at the disputed boundary between India and Pakistan, clearly suggesting that Pakistan has not given up on its efforts to keep the LoC hot.

On September 29, the Indian Army announced its surgical strike on multiple terror camps near the LoC as a response to a suicide attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri, which killed 19 soldiers. The terrorists were backed by Pakistan.

“Following the strike, there is a surge in ceasefire violations. We have recorded 57 violations till Oct 28,” said a source in the defence ministry.

The firing using small arms, 120 mm and 80 mm mortar bombs happened at many places along the 740 km long LoC, including Naushera, Rajauri, Machhal, Mendhar and Sunderbani sector in Kashmir and Shahpur, Krishnagati, Mandi and Sabzian sectors in the Poonch district.

Compared to 2015, the number of ceasefire violations was a little less before the surgical strike. But the firings from across the border increased within days of the cross-border raid.

From January 1, there have  been 115 cases of ceasefire violations along the LoC, out of which 57 took place since September 29. In comparison the number of ceasefire violations in the same area in 2014 and 2015 were 153 and 152 respectively. One of purposes of the firings, sources said, is to create a cover for the terrorists or infiltrators to sneak in. Till now, the security agencies have killed 128 terrorists this year, which is a 50% jump from last year’s position.

“The honeymoon between the Pakistan Army and terrorists is far from being over. The bond between the two is becoming stronger,” said an army source. The army has increased its presence in Jammu and Kashmir to secure the border.