Anganpathri, Line of Control: As Independence Day nears, there's been an increase in infiltration. Soldiers are on duty round the clock, especially near the Line of Control (LoC).
Naik Netrapal Singh and his fellow jawans are on duty almost round the clock. They guard the border fence at Anganpathri on the LoC. From this place, one can actually see the Kopra and Kachravan military posts on the Pakistani side.
As Independence Day nears, there's been an increase in infiltration on the stretch. The Pir Panjal Mountains and forests offer great cover, making Anganpathri one of the infiltrated spots along the LoC. In the last fortnight alone, four infiltration bids were blocked.
"Our daily routine is to guard the fence, patrol and lay ambush. The maize has grown, and the snow has melted. Infiltrators have a better chance now," said Naik Netrapal Singh.
It's peak infiltration period and everyday Nayak Netrapal Singh and his colleagues have to trek for hours to guard the LoC.
The military post is a six-hour climb from the base camp. The jawans spend their entire day along the fence at a height of 11,000 feet. The weather is harsh, the terrain jagged and difficult, and by the time the 20-hour shift is over, there is only time to clamber down, freshen up, and return for the next watch.
"It's a bit inhospitable terrain. There's lot of jungles, numerous nallahs, which give access to the infiltration. To counter these things, we have got modern gadgetry, we have got surveillance equipment, and we have thickened our operations," said Rahul Salathia, company commander.
Military formations at posts like these on high altitudes are small. Naturally, there are no back-ups. But the jawans don't back out.
They will watch the border every hour of the day till early winter sets in and snow blocks all paths of infiltration.