Indian Army Achieves Significant Milestones in Maintaining Peace in Jammu and Kashmir

In a recent press conference, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army's 15 Corps, highlighted the substantial progress made in maintaining peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Gen. Ghai emphasized that the primary challenge now is to sustain this peace, rather than considering any dilution of the counter-terrorism grid.

The number of active terrorists in Kashmir has been significantly reduced to approximately 80, a marked decline from previous years. This reduction is attributed to the coordinated efforts of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies. Gen. Ghai expressed optimism that this number will continue to decrease, indicating a positive trend in the region's security situation.

Effective Counter-Terrorism Operations

The success in counter-terrorism operations is largely due to the effective counter-infiltration grid and the heightened vigilance along the borders. During the summer, no major infiltration attempts were observed, which is a significant achievement. However, Gen. Ghai noted that cross-border forces continue to fuel terrorism, although there has been no active recruitment over the past year and a half.

Gen. Ghai also mentioned the recovery of US-origin weapons, such as M4 carbine assault rifles, from terrorists. These weapons, left behind by the US Army after their withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, have been traced to Pakistani handlers. The Indian Army is documenting these weapons and informing relevant authorities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to track and neutralize such arms.

Sustained Ceasefire Along the LoC

The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) since early 2021 has been sustained, despite occasional exceptions. This agreement has helped in reducing tensions along the LoC and western borders. Gen. Ghai confirmed that both countries follow certain tenets of this ceasefire understanding and use hotlines to address any exceptions.

The Indian Army has leveraged advanced technology to enhance its operations in the valley. Gen. Ghai highlighted that the army has embraced technology in a big way, which has significantly improved their capabilities in counter-terrorism operations. This includes the use of night sights and other advanced equipment, making the Indian Army better equipped than the terrorists.

Foreign Terrorists and Future Operations

Gen. Ghai estimated that between 25 and 40 foreign militants, likely Pakistani terrorists, are active in the Pir Panjal area. He assured that the army is determined to neutralize these terrorists soon, based on the intelligence they have been receiving. The stability of the region is expected to be maintained through successful operations in the coming time.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is described as being under the cusp of a new beginning, with substantial development and peace prevailing in the region. However, reducing the footprint of troops is not recommended at this stage, as maintaining peace and vigilance remains a priority.

For more detailed information on the Line of Control and its significance, it is important to understand the historical and geopolitical context of the region.

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