DefSec visits LOC in Kashmir

Srinagar: Defense Secretary Shashikant Sharma Monday visited the Line of Control (LOC) dividing Indian and Pakistani Kashmir and was briefed about the recent ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts from across the other side, a defense official said.

“Defense Secretary Shashikant Sharma today (Monday) visited the LOC in the Tangdhar sector. The defense secretary was accompanied by Lieutenant General A.S. Lamba, vice chief of army staff. The high-level delegation was briefed by the brigade commander on the current situation on the LOC, infiltration and ceasefire violations by Pakistan army,” the defense spokesman said in a statement here.

“The delegation was given a demonstration of the anti-infiltration obstacle system and various other equipments deployed to foil the infiltration bids.

“A display of sophisticated equipment and war-like stores captured/ recovered from militants was also done for the visiting delegation. The delegation later interacted with the officers, JCOs and soldiers deployed in the area,” the statement said.

During his two-day visit, the defense secretary was briefed on the security situation along the borders by Northern Army commander, Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik and the Chinar Corps commander, Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain.

Sharma also met Governor N.N. Vohra, and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah during his maiden visit to the state after taking over as the defense secretary.

There has been an increase in infiltration bids into the Valley from across the LOC during the recent days. The Pakistan army has violated the bilateral ceasefire eight times during the last one week, according to defense officials.