Infiltration from Pakistan increased in 2009: Army chief

NEW DELHI - Around 700 terrorists from Pakistan are waiting to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LOC), Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor Thursday said, adding that cross-border infiltration attempts into Jammu and Kashmir registered a relative increase in 2009.

“Though mild violent incidents may have come down, the attempts of infiltration have gone up. The terror infrastructure across the LOC is very much intact and all-out efforts are being made to push inside as many infiltrators as possible to our side,” Kapoor told reporters at an annual conference ahead of Army Day Friday.

“In 2009, the infiltration was higher. While 57 people infiltrated in 2008, the number rose to 110 by Nov 30, 2009. This is only indicative of the fact that our neighbour is pushing in more infiltrators,” Kapoor added.

Asked about the reduction of troops in the Kashmir Valley, Kapoor said: “Reduction of troops is being done after taking all aspects in consideration. I believe the current level of troops will be able to check this infiltration.”

“The current troop level should be able to ensure peaceful environment there, despite attempts to ensure that there is turbulence,” he added.

Kapoor also denied media reports that India’s border with China has shrunk.

“Let me assure that no border has shrunk in any area. There is no change in border position with China. We have some disputed areas and both the governments have decided to resolve it through talks,” he said.