Major General VP Singh speaks to reporters in Rajouri
Sending a strong message to Pakistan over repeated ceasefire violations and Border Action Team (BAT) attacks, a top Army commander today warned it was making a "serious mistake" and said a befitting reply would be given with "full force" at the time and place of its choice.
"You (Pakistan) are making a serious mistake (with regard to ceasefire violations and BAT attacks), do not do it," General Officer Commanding (GOC) 25 Infantry Div, Major General V P Singh told reporters in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.
India has blamed BAT, which is a mix of Pakistani special forces personnel and terrorists, for the brutal killing of its two soldiers in January, one of whom was beheaded, and killing of its five personnel along the LoC in Poonch sector.
"what you are putting across, it is not going to affect, deter us or weaken our resolve," Gen Singh said.
He further said that the Army is here to respond to each and every act of Pakistan in whichever way it feels so.
Regarding the Army's strategy in the wake of the BAT attacks engineered by Pakistan, Gen Singh said "as far as BAT action is concerned, we are absolutely aware what kind of response it is going to get, that response will be delivered".
Gen Singh said the Defence Minister and the Chief of Army Staff have given his command clear directions that violation of ceasefire or any other act of infiltration from across LoC will be met resolutely with power and full force.
"As far as I am concerned, those directions are with me - we are responding and retaliating to the situation as per the requirements with full force", Gen Singh said.
He further said that Army Chief had also made it clear that Army is free to reply and respond to the BAT attacks as per opportunity and strategy.
"As per opportunity and situation, what is to be done -- everybody knows it and reply accordingly will be given."
At another media briefing at Bhimbher Gali in Poonch sector along LoC, Brigade Commander, 120 Infantry Brigade, Brig A Sengupta said Army has inputs about Pakistan trying to engineer more BAT attacks along the border.