Army prepared to uphold LoC sanctity: Antony

Says number of infiltration attempts have doubled this year; 57 ceasefire violations this year

The Indian Army is ready to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC), Defence Minister A.K. Antony told Parliament on Tuesday after five soldiers were killed by terrorists dressed like Pakistani soldiers in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The defence minister added that at least 20 armed terrorists in Pakistan Army uniforms infiltrated into the Indian side across the LoC. His statement created an uproar in the House.

"The ambush was carried out by about 20 people dressed in Pakistani Army uniforms," Antony said in a statement to both houses of parliament.

"I assure the house that our army is ready to take all necessary steps to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control," Antony said in a suo moto statement in the Lok Sabha.

He added: "Five soldiers were martyred and one was injured when a patrol party of the army comprising one non-commissioned officer and five other ranks were ambushed on our side of the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir early Tuesday morning."

"We strongly condemn this unprovoked incident. The government of India has lodged a strong protest with the Pakistani government through diplomatic channels," Antony said.

He noted that the number of infiltration attempts have doubled this year in comparison to the corresponding period Jan 1-Aug 5, 2012.

There have also been 57 ceasefire violations this year, around 80% more than the same period last year, he said.

According to Antony, the Indian Army successfully eliminated 19 hardcore terrorists in July and August along the LoC and in the Jammu and Kashmir hinterland.

"The effective counter-infiltration grid on the LoC has ensured that 17 bids were foiled this year," he added.