Srinagar, Feb 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the Army is giving a “befitting reply” to the Pakistani troops responsible for violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Sinha said that there is strong coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces.
“The Indian Army is giving a befitting reply to the ceasefire violation,” Sinha said. “There is excellent coordination between the Jammu Kashmir Police and the security forces, and they have been instructed that terrorism must be eradicated at all costs. This system of violence must end.”
The Lieutenant Governor further reiterated that maintaining peace in the region would remain the government’s top priority.
“Whatever actions are being taken to ensure peace will not stop; they will continue uninterrupted. Our foremost goal is to maintain peace in the region,” he emphasised.
Earlier, on Sunday morning, a brief but intense exchange of fire took place along the LoC in the Poonch sector after an Indian Army post in Gulpur was targeted by gunfire, officials said.
A senior Army official confirmed the incident, stating that the Indian Army post in Gulpur was attacked by gunfire from across the LoC. “Our soldiers retaliated swiftly, and the exchange lasted only for a short period. Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported on the Indian side,” the official said.
It remains unclear whether the firing was initiated by the Pakistan Army or whether terrorists in the area were behind the attack.
“The exact origin of the fire is under investigation. Security forces continue to maintain a high level of alertness in the region due to the persistent threat of terrorist infiltration,” the Army official explained.
The official also confirmed that a security cordon has been placed around the dense forests in the region to neutralise any possible terrorist activity. “The mountainous terrain and dense forests make the operation challenging, but we are determined to secure the area,” he added.
In the wake of the exchange of fire, security forces have been advised to remain on high alert along the LoC.
“There have been reports indicating ongoing terrorist activity on the other side of the border, including launch pads and training facilities. We are fully prepared to counter any threats,” the official said.
He also noted that while cross-border smuggling of narcotics and weapons remains a concern, the primary focus remains on preventing infiltration attempts. “The ceasefire continues, but Pakistan is engaged in suspicious activities. There is no slackness in our vigilance,” the official said. “We have a robust counter-infiltration grid in place to thwart any attempts across the LoC and in the hinterland.”
Earlier this year, on January 30, Indian Army troops successfully foiled an infiltration bid in the Khari Karmara sector of Rajouri district, neutralizing two infiltrators in the process.
