Even as Islamabad targets India with its proxy attacks, the security advisors strike a dialogue on diffusion of tension between both the countries.
The National Security Advisor of Pakistan on Monday spoke with Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on the phone for the first time since the Uri attack in an apparent effort to diffuse tension between the two countries, even as Islamabad continued its proxy attacks in India.
NSA Pakistan spoke with Ajit Doval on phone for the first time after Uri attack.The dialogue was an apparent effort to diffuse tension between the two countries.NSA Ajit Doval briefed PM Modi about the fidayeen attack on Baramulla.
Four days after Indian army conducted a surgical strike at terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, militants tried to infiltrate the adjacent Army and BSF camps in Baramulla on Sunday night. Two of the six terrorists who attacked the camps have been identified as Pakistani nationals and belong to Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), sources told India Today.
FOUR CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS BY PAK RANGERS
Pakistani troops also resorted to heavy mortar shelling at army posts and civilian sectors along the Line of Control all through Monday. There were four ceasefire violations by Pakistan rangers and they were met with equal thrust from the Indian side, which destroyed one Pakistan army post during retaliation.
Pakistan started firing and shelling in Shahpur, Krishnagati, Mandi and Sabzian sectors in Poonch district, officials said. Five civilians were injured in the shelling and some shops have also been set ablaze.
UNPROVOKED FIRING IN SECTORS OF POONCH
"Pakistan troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Mandi and Sabzian sectors of Poonch district from 1345 hours today", Defence spokesman Col Manish Mehta said. They fired 120 mm, 80 mm mortar bombs, automatic weapons and small arms, he said, adding the exchanges are going on.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan media quoted top diplomat Sartaj Aziz as saying that the Indian NSA Ajit Doval had talks with his counterpart Nasir Janjua amidst the ongoing flare-up of hostilities. The idea seems to be a de-escalation, but the continued firing at forwards areas by Pakistani Rangers achieved the opposite on Monday.
AJIT DOVAL BRIEFS PM MODI
In New Delhi, NSA Ajit Doval briefed PM Narendra Modi about the fidayeen attack on Baramulla and the detailed security situation and contingencies being put in place. One BSF jawan was martyred in the attack on Sunday night, while another was injured after gunmen attacked the 46 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Janbazpora on the outskirts of Baramulla city, triggering a strong retaliation from the Indian forces.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Leh and Kargil, said the security forces had given a "befitting reply" to such attempts by Pakistan-based terrorist groups. "Our security forces are giving a befitting reply," he told reporters here when asked about the attacks on security forces by terrorists in the state.
MILITARY FORCES REMAIN ALERT
As the ceasefire violations kept the armed forces engaged, the military installations remained on a state of alert. Sources said that some movement of troops in Pakistan has been noticed and it was being closely monitored.
According to internal assessments, the security apparatus is being geared up to meet the challenges posed by terrorists during the festival season. Sources said that there is apprehension about terrorist strikes in the country outside Jammu and Kashmir. While all the focus is on J&K and the LoC, the Pakistan-backed terrorists might be planning to strike in other parts of the country.
WHY DIWALI IS A REASON OF IMMENSE WORRY
The officials said that military installations are on alert but deployment is the next level of readiness. It was felt that instead of using its regular army to retaliate after the surgical strike inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Islamabad might use terrorists to hit targets deep inside India. The concern has led to complete change in tactics. The festival season with Diwali round the corner has brought added responsibility this year in wake of the charged atmosphere.
There are reports that Pakistan might have activated its sleeper cells in India. All the big cities are on alert and security to religious places has been beefed up. There are constant reviews of the situation. The military camps in Jammu and Kashmir remain the target but the security of civilians in other parts of the country remains a concern, said, officials.