Pakistan violated ceasefire 19 times since May 26, says Arun Jaitley

“Innovative troops deployment, efficient use of surveillance and monitoring devices and fencing along the LoC have enhanced the ability to detect and intercept infiltration,” Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday. File photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir 19 times since the new government took over and the Indian side retaliated appropriately in each case, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

“Our head has not bowed... This government will not let our heads bow,” Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said replying to questions in Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Jaitley’s response came when Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said Narendra Modi, before becoming the Prime Minister, used to accuse the then UPA dispensation of being “weak”.

Then why the government has “bowed” to the recurring ceasefire violations by Pakistan, Mr. Azad asked.

The Minister said during the current year till July 16, there have been 54 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.

Between May 26 and July 17, 19 ceasefire violations took place along the LoC and International Border and in all such cases, there was retaliation by the Indian side, he said.

“All CFVs are taken up with the concerned authorities of Pakistan at the appropriate level through the established mechanism of hotlines, flag meetings etc,” he said.

Mr. Jaitley recalled that during the first meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif in New Delhi on May 27, he had underlined the importance of border ceasefire.

“Our Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders and upholding the sanctity of the LoC,” he said about the meeting that took place a day after the new government took over.

The two leaders also agreed that Foreign Secretaries of the two countries would get in touch to explore how to move bilateral relations forward.

Mr. Sharif had come to India at Mr. Modi’s invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government.

Last year, there were a total of 347 ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir including 199 along the LoC.

In reply to another question, Mr. Jaitley said along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, the Army has adopted a robust counter-infiltration strategy which has an appropriate mix of technology and human resources to check infiltration effectively.

“Innovative troops deployment, efficient use of surveillance and monitoring devices and fencing along the LoC have enhanced the ability to detect and intercept infiltration,” he said.