Infiltration charge: Indian defence minister ups the ante
Amid rising rhetoric in New Dehli, prospects of DGMO meeting turn bleak.
Indian Defence Minister A K Antony. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
NEW DEHLI:
Amid rising tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbours, Indian Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday raised Indian rhetoric against Pakistan by accusing Pakistan army of tacitly supporting infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC).
“We are watching these new developments. Instead of preventing infiltration or trying to minimise infiltration, attempts are increasing. That means, these are going on with the support of elements across the border. I am sure nothing has happened without the support, knowledge and tacit support of Pakistan Army. It is a matter of concern for us,” said Antony.
The defence minister, who was addressing a press conference after news reports suggested that the planned meeting of both Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) has been put on the backburner, inquired how relations between the two countries could improve when Pakistan was destabilizing India through covert action.
“Both sides of the border are completely guarded by armed forces. So how can terrorists try to infiltrate into India without the support or knowledge of the armed forces of Pakistan,” he added.
In an attempt to lessen tensions, Indian and Pakistani prime ministers had agreed in their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month that the DGMOs of both militaries would meet to resolve issues and end ceasefire violations along the LoC.
In a clear measure of distrust, despite a decision taken at the summit level between both premiers the DGMO meeting has not been held so far.
However, in a sign the communications between the two sides had not completely broken down, the DGMOs spoke to each other on the hot line yesterday (Tuesday) as per established routine practice.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2013.
Amid rising tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbours, Indian Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday raised Indian rhetoric against Pakistan by accusing Pakistan army of tacitly supporting infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC).
“We are watching these new developments. Instead of preventing infiltration or trying to minimise infiltration, attempts are increasing. That means, these are going on with the support of elements across the border. I am sure nothing has happened without the support, knowledge and tacit support of Pakistan Army. It is a matter of concern for us,” said Antony.
The defence minister, who was addressing a press conference after news reports suggested that the planned meeting of both Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) has been put on the backburner, inquired how relations between the two countries could improve when Pakistan was destabilizing India through covert action.
“Both sides of the border are completely guarded by armed forces. So how can terrorists try to infiltrate into India without the support or knowledge of the armed forces of Pakistan,” he added.
In an attempt to lessen tensions, Indian and Pakistani prime ministers had agreed in their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month that the DGMOs of both militaries would meet to resolve issues and end ceasefire violations along the LoC.
In a clear measure of distrust, despite a decision taken at the summit level between both premiers the DGMO meeting has not been held so far.
However, in a sign the communications between the two sides had not completely broken down, the DGMOs spoke to each other on the hot line yesterday (Tuesday) as per established routine practice.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2013.