102 ceasefire violations reported along LoC since 2007: Govt

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha yesterday, Defence Minister A K Antony said 44 cases of ceasefire violations along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir were registered in 2010. While there were 51 cases in 2011, seven such instances have come to notice this year.

Two army personnel and one BSF soldier died in these violations in 2010, he said.

"All activities across LoC are continuously monitored. Measures like strengthening of defences, deployment/ redeployment of troops, infrastructure development and military modernisation are factored into our plans," he said.

Informing the House on the recent avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir which killed several troops and officers, Antony said, "An avalanche struck the army camp at Sonamarg and Dawar in the Kashmir Valley on February 22."

"One officer, one junior commissioned officer (JCO) and six other ranks (OR) were buried by the avalanche at Sonamarg besides causing massive destruction including disruption of communication network. At Dawar Garrison in Gurez Sector, four JCOs and 25 OR were trapped," he said.

Replying to a query on awarding contempt powers to Armed Forces Tribunal, the Minister said, "The Defence Ministry has agreed 'in principle' to amend Section 19 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act 2007, for implementation of AFT Orders/Judgements more effectively."

"Army Headquarters has reported that some retired and serving officers are suspected of trying to create a mistrust between the Army and the Defence Ministry," Antony said, responding to a query on breach of discipline in Army. PTI AD