Antony warns of increase in infiltration bids

Hussainiwala, May 13 : Five days after the BSF foiled an infiltration bid at the international border in Samba, Defence Minister A K Antony said that such attempts were likely to increase in the next few months. While visiting the troops at the border in the Punjab sector, Antony said the next few months were likely to be “crucial” particularly because of the upcoming Kashmir elections. “Infiltrations are not a new development; there have been a few cases in the past as well. However, now the militants are trying to sneak in through new points. Till April, our borders were by and large peaceful, but now serious attempts at infiltration have started again,” he said.

Antony explained that infiltrations were not limited only to the LOC but also occur through the borders that India shares with other countries.

Antony said the upcoming summer season would see an increased number of infiltration attempts. “Once the snow melts, such attempts are likely to increase. Also, with Kashmir entering into election mode, the next few months could be crucial. The Armed Forces are extremely vigilant and I assure you that all measures are in place to protect the country from such threats. Troops currently deployed in Kashmir are fully capable and prepared to defeat our enemies,” he added.

Antony assured that the upcoming elections in Kashmir would be free and fair. “Obviously, our enemies do not want this and hence, the next few months are of the utmost importance,” he said indicating that infiltrations were aimed at disrupting the election process in Kashmir.

When asked about the infrastructural development on the Chinese side of the border, Antony said modernisation of infrastructure on the border in India was steadily gaining momentum.

“Unfortunately, because of some of our policies in the past, in places like Arunachal Pradesh we could not develop infrastructure. We are now giving top most priority to development in the region,” he said.

The Defence Minister, accompanied by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, visited troops at the forward most posts. While he did not reveal whether plans were underway to make Hussainiwala an open border like Wagah, the Defence Minister did say that there were a number of such proposals as part of the Prime Minister’s confidence-building measures.

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