Indian Army initiates evacuation in LoC border areas post surgical strike

In the wake of surgical strikes carried out along the Line of Control (LoC) late on Wednesday night, the Indian Army has started evacuating people living in the adjoining areas in anticipation of a possible retaliation by Pakistani troops.

The Army has initiated the evacuation process in Naushera district.

All schools within ten kilometres of India-Pakistan border have been shut down, informed the District Education Officer in Ferozepur, Punjab.

Meanwhile the all party meeting at the Home Ministry in North Block, New Delhi, has begun.

On intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, said the Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh.

The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into Indian territory.

"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added.

Singh further said that he spoke with the Pakistani DGMO and expressed New Delhi's concern and meanwhile, shared information over the operation conducted by the Indian Army.

"I have spoken to the Pakistani DGMO and explained our concerns and also shared the operation we had conducted last night. It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country," said Singh.

"Almost 20 infiltrations attempt have been foiled by the Indian army successfully this year. During these attacks and infiltration attempts we have recovered items including global positioning systems and stores which have had Pakistani markings," he added.