Sharp Decline in Cross-Border Firing Incidents: Jitendra Singh Warns Against Lowering Guard

Union minister Jitendra Singh highlights the decrease in cross-border firing incidents but cautions that recent sporadic firings prove the need to stay vigilant against Pakistan's mischief. A BSF jawan and a woman were injured during the latest ceasefire violation.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, on Friday, highlighted the significant reduction in cross-border firing incidents at the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). However, he cautioned that India cannot lower its guard against Pakistan due to recent sporadic firing incidents. This statement comes after a BSF jawan and a woman were injured, with several houses damaged in cross-border shelling by Pakistan Rangers - marking the first major ceasefire violation since 2021.

The incident took place in Jammu's Arnia on Thursday night. According to the Border Security Force (BSF), there was unprovoked firing from Pakistan until 3 am on Friday which was befittingly responded. Speaking to reporters in Samba, Singh emphasized that despite a decrease in such incidents at LoC and IB, we must remain vigilant due to continuous infiltration bids across LoC.

A Sharp Decline In Violence

The minister of state for Prime Minister’s Office said violence levels have significantly reduced within Jammu and Kashmir over the past nine years—especially since Article 370 was revoked back in August 2019. He credited this change to India's altered stance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership who assumed office back in 2014.

Stern Response To Cross-Border Terrorism

Highlighting some key strategic moves like conducting surgical strikes by Indian Army in September 2016 followed by Balakote airstrikes carried out by IAF in February 2019 during PM Modi's tenure; Singh emphasized how these actions sent clear signals indicating India's stern response towards terrorist attacks sponsored from across the border.

Focusing On Welfare Of Soldiers' Families

Inaugurating Shaheed Gate—a memorial dedicated to Colonel Narayan Singh in Samba, Singh elaborated on the Modi government's various welfare initiatives for families of soldiers who lose their lives while serving the nation. Unlike previous governments, he said, this regime is sensitive and concerned about the armed forces' welfare.

Welfare Measures For Martyrs' Families

The Union Minister listed out some of these measures including an ex-gratia amount ranging from Rs 25 to 45 lakh provided by the Union government to martyred soldiers' families. In addition, Rs 8 lakh is offered as ex-gratia from Army Central Welfare Fund. State governments also contribute an ex-gratia amount as per their provisions. These are apart from liberalised family pension and regular service benefits. In case of an Agniveer's death during duty, over Rs 1 crore would be given to next of kin.

In conclusion, while there has been a significant decline in cross-border firing incidents and violence within Jammu & Kashmir under PM Modi's leadership; sporadic ceasefire violations indicate that India must remain vigilant against potential threats from across LoC. The current government has shown its commitment towards ensuring welfare of soldiers' families through various initiatives—a departure from practices followed by past regimes.