Infiltration across PoK down, guards still alert: GOC

{image-Infiltration across PoK_27102008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Srinagar, Oct 27: Even though the infiltration from Pakistan- occupied-Kashmir (PoK) has come down, troops remained on high alert to foil any attempt by militants to sneak into this side from across the border, a senior army officer on Monday, Oct 27 said.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of wreath-lying ceremony at the martyrs memorial at the headquarters of 15 Corps here, Lt General Mukesh Sabarwal said the number of infiltration attempts from the PoK has come down as compared to previous years. He said militants attempting to sneak into this side was also less this year. However, Lt General Sabarwal said attempts were still being made to send more militants into this side before the infiltration routes closes due to snowfall.

''Though the number of infiltration has come down this year, but we have not lowered guards,'' he said, adding the troops are still on high alert to foil any such attempt. Besides intensifying night and foot patrolling, fencing and installing latest equipment has helped to curb the infiltration menace to quite an extent.

Since the election schedule has been announced, militants will again try to sneak into this side to create trouble during the poll process. Lt General Sabarwal said the main task for militants was to create trouble and they will try it here also.

Asked if there was any direct input suggesting that militants will try to disturb the poll process in the valley, the GOC 15 Corps said there was so far no such report. However, he added that militants will try to create problems.

But, he said security forces and state police were strong enough to foil such designs. On the role of the Army in the ensuing Assembly elections, he said, ''Our main task is to guard the borders besides provide security to common people at our place of posting.'' ''We will provide secure atmosphere to people and it is for them to take part in the elections to elect representatives of their choice,'' he said.

UNI