Haunted by Kargil-like situation, soldiers at IB still on high alert

Sai Kalan, International Border, Mar 26 (UNI) Though both India and Pakistan are busy with strengthening the confidence building measures, security forces here at the Zero Line are on high alert, leaving no chance for a Kargil-like situation again.

''The Kargil infiltration in 1999, which later led the war at the hilly region of the Valley and huge casualties, was a lesson for us. Now we don't want to give any room to the militant outfits to infiltrate again into Indian soil,'' a senior officer of Border Security Force (BSF) at border areas said.

''The soldiers deployed here at the International Border are still on high alert'' the officer told UNI.

''All 24 hours of the day and 365 days of the year, we have been on high alert and mentally and physically prepared to face any hardship or more tough situation,'' he stressed.

As ''many terrorist camps are still running in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the activities of intruders are continued, how we can keep quiet at the border ?'' another BSF official maintained.

The jawans are always alert and fully equipped to counter any enemy challange, he added.

''After commencing of peace process between India and Pakistan since 2003 the activities of militants have reduced and the incidents of infiltration have also at low level at the moment but training of militants is still continued at the other side of border.

Therefore it is our duty to keep vigil on the development around the border areas'' said Mr S C Vaid, Inspector General of BSF Jammu region, who was here to distribute the prizes among the winners of sports events organised by the BSF recently.

The soldiers vowed to keep duty towards nation as their first priority than their personal problems they face at their homes.

A jawman from Uttar Pradesh, who could not to at his wife's side during the birth of their child, said, ''the Country is first priority,'' adding, ''Whenever I could avail leave, I will go to my village and spend sweet moments with my family.'' The IG however said, ''We are aware and sincere towards the personal problems of our soldiers. In case any jawan faces any problem at their native places we officially request the concerned DMs, SSPs and other senior (civil) officials to look after into the matter.'' ''We try to keep our soldiers out of tensions and worries'' he added.

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