New Delhi:
Defence Minister AK Antony today blamed the Pakistani Army for the numerous attempted infiltrations bids and repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and International Border between India and Pakistan.
"On the Pakistan side, the border is completely guarded by Pakistan Armed forces. How can the terrorists try to infiltrate into India without the knowledge and support of Pakistan?" he asked.
Mr Antony - number two in the Union Cabinet - is known for measuring and choosing his words when it comes to the neighbouring countries, but today he was unusually scathing against Pakistan.
"We are repeatedly telling that India wants improvement in relations. If they are sincere in improving the relations, how can infiltrations take place? I am sure that nothing can happen there without the knowledge and tacit support of Pakistan armed forces," Mr Antony said.
In the first 10 months of this year, at least 326 ceasefire violations have been reported in comparison to only 100-odd last year and about 60 in 2011. "This year has been unusual," he said.
Last month, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is reported to have given a stern message to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif when the two leaders met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Dr Singh told Mr Sharif that he did not become the Indian PM 'to re-draw the boundaries', Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said last week.
"I think that is the most fantastic answer I have ever heard from an Indian leader given to somebody in Pakistan," Mr Khurshid said.
Talks between the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the two countries - decided at the meeting between Dr Singh and Mr Sharif - has also been put on hold.