``Though the IAF now has a limited role to play in the on-going crisis across the Line of Control (LoC) in border areas triggered by Pakistan-backed infiltration, it is prepared for any escalation in the conflict,'' the Chief of Air Staff, who was here for the Air Force Academy (AFA) graduation, said.

The IAF's participation in the current crisis achieved considerable success in locating the forward supply bases of Pakistan. ``We not only contained their (infiltrators') advancement but we were also able to push them back,'' he said.

To a query, Tipnis said no timeframe had been set to evict the intruders ``since it would keep us under undue pressure''. ``It should be done phase-wise and sector-wise. The process should be carried out calmly and withgood precision and calculation,'' he said. He said it was difficult to ensure 100 per cent check across the LoC, violated by Pakistan, since the 140-km stretch was difficult terrain.