Jammu plains easy target for triggerhappy Pak
‘Crossborder firing is anticipated after harvesting of the crops, since infiltration from high altitude is not possible due to snow; Pak focuses on the IB’
JAMMU: Every year, after wheat crop is harvested in the plains of Jammu region, Pakistan indulges in truce violations and infiltration attempts on the 198km International Border (IB) in Jammu region, apparently, to keep the “pot boiling”, said Border Security Force (BSF) official.
The BSF, first line of defence, have the operational responsibility of the IB.
“Many people ask that why Pakistan opens heavy fire on the International Border. The answer is simple. Pakistan wants to keep the issue (Kashmir dispute) alive at various forums. We call it the International Border but they call it a working boundary,” said Ram Awtar, inspector general of BSF, Jammu Frontier, adding, they feel that the issue may die down if peace persists on the International Boundary.
BSF IG, however, said that this year, the trigger, initially, an infiltration bid by a group of five suspected terrorists from a transborder tunnel in Tarnah Nullah of Hiranagar started on May 13, followed by similar intrusion bids in adjoining Manguchak.
Tarnah Nullah, a seasonal rivulet, has always remained a preferred route of infiltration for the Pak ultras.
An intelligence official said that the International Border having several rivulets flowing into Pakistan has always remained a preferred route of infiltration for the Pakistani terrorists, evident by several terror attacks staged on Jammu-pathankot highway from time to time.
“During winter, mountain passesinsouthofpirpanjalrange get blocked due to snow, making infiltrations difficult via high altitudes. Pakistan, then, shifts its focus to the International Border for pushing terrorists in Hindu dominated Jammu region where every successful terror strike and ceasefire violation get them desiredresultsaimedatattracting media attention at the international forum,” he said. Giving another reason for Jammu region being easy target, he said people living in hundreds of villages close to the International Border become sitting ducks for triggerhappy Pakistan.
“For the past few years, there has been a limited confrontation with Pakistan on the International Border after crop harvesting in April,” BSF director-general (DG) KK Sharma said recently.
“Immediately after the crop is harvested, we do anticipate a limited confrontation. Every year, after crop harvest in April, a limited engagement with Pakistan is always there. Though, we don’t want it but we have to prepare for it and in recent times, we have given them effective response,” he had said on April 30.