Infiltration, ceasefire violations would be met with 'full force': Maj. Gen V.P Singh

Major General V.P Singh, General Officer Commanding 25th Infantry Division, on Sunday assured that the situation at the border is under control and any act of infiltration or ceasefire violation would be met resolutely with power and full force.

"Situation in the border is absolutely under control. As you are aware that there has been a lot of cross border firing going on, but that firing is being retaliated effectively. Our chief of the Army staff and the Defence Minister has given us very clear directions that any violation of ceasefire or any act of infiltration from across the LoC will be met resolutely with power and with full force," he told media here today.

"Our morale is very high, we are absolutely on top of the situation and we are effectively responding to the military situation as per requirement," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistani troops opened fire at the Indian posts along the LoC in Mendhar area with mortars drawing retaliation from India.

The troops on Friday targeted Indian forward posts in the Kargil-Drass sector today. It is for the first time since the Kargil war of 1999 that the Pakistani Army has fired in this sector.

No casualties have, however, been reported so far. This is the 19th ceasefire violation in the last eleven days.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, yesterday said it is imperative that for bilateral relations to improve between India and Pakistan, Islamabad must take all steps necessary to prevent its sol from being used for any anti-India activity.

Delivering his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the historic 17th-century built Red Fort; Dr. Singh said India has also strived for friendship with neighbouring countries.

"However, for relations with Pakistan to improve, it is essential that they prevent the use of their territory and territory under their control for any anti-India activity," he added.

The Prime Minister was apparently referring to the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC).