Srinagar: General Officer Commanding (GoC) Srinagar-based army’s 15 Corps, Lieutenant General D P Pandey, Friday said that pull-out of US forces from Afghanistan may lead to some militants infiltrating into Kashmir but army was fully prepared and always ready to deal with any misadventure on LoC and the hinterland.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a passing—out parade at JAKLI regimental centre Rangreth on Srinagar outskirts, the GoC Pandey said that some people who are fond of freedom (Azadi) must ponder over what is the situation across LoC and the Pakistan—Afghanistan border.
“Whatever happened 30 year ago caused a huge distress to the people of Kashmir. Yes, there is a possibility that US forces pull-out from Afghanistan may push some militants into Kashmir,” the GoC said. “But situation is not what it was 30 years ago. We are ready and fully geared up to foil all such bids and to face every challenge whether on LoC or the hinterland.”
The GoC 15 Corps was replying to a query whether US—forces pull—out from Afghanistan would have some sort of impact on Kashmir.
He said that for the army, the first priority was always conventional training, then counter insurgency operations or counter infiltration operations.
“Wherever police need us for any kind of operation we are joining them,” GoC Pandey said. “Ceasefire or no ceasefire, our eyes are set on our enemy. We are ready to face any misadventure be that on the LoC or in the hinterland. We are ready to respond in robust manner at any level.”
To a question that a lot of weaponary was coming for the army, the GoC said that it was a normal process which is part of annual turnover.
“Given the Chinese situation on the LAC, a balance of the forces is being maintained,” he said.
The senior army officer said that earlier Pakistan would fund cash through narco modules but now drugs are also coming.
“J&K police is dealing with the narco-infiltration very effectively and a lot of drug consignments have been seized. It is high time for parents, civil society, and teachers to keep youth and children away from drugs,” he said.
Asked whether the recent dialogue between J&K politicians and New Delhi would have any impact on Kashmir’s security situation, GoC Pandey said that security situation and political process are two different things.
“Dialogue is an ongoing process which is always there. Security situation is a different matter that is being tackled at different levels,” he said.
On militancy in Kashmir, the GoC said that security forces were committed to ensure that people live peacefuly.
Asked about the status of infiltration on LoC in Kashmir, he said so far there is zero infiltration this year but launch pads are active.
“Whatever happens at the LoC will be dealt with effectively and professionally,” he said.
