*PAHALGAM:* In a stern warning to Pakistan, Indian Army Chief General BipinRawat on Friday said that the neighbouring country should stop aidingmilitants into Occupied Jammu and Kashmir if it wants peace andtranquillity in the region. Referring to the situation in J&K, GeneralRawat said that the suspension of combat operations in Jammu and Kashmircan be extended further if the atmosphere of peace continues in the state.
However, he was quick to warn that any action by militants would trigger arethink immediately. Rawat also warned Pakistan that it should stop sendingterrorists into the state if it was interested in peace.
“If Pakistan really wants peace then we will want them to take the firststep by stopping infiltration of terrorists into our side. The ceasefireviolation mostly takes place to aid infiltration,” Gen Rawat said this at afunction here, 95-km from Srinagar.
The Army Chief further said that India wants peace along the borders butPakistan was continuously violating the ceasefire, which caused loss oflife and property.
“When such an action takes place, we also have to respond. We cannot sitidle. If there is ceasefire violation, then there will be action from ourside,” he said. ”For peace, it was imperative that cross-border terrorismcomes to an end,” the Army Chief added.
“It is imperative to stop terrorism from across (the LoC), the camps whichare there where training is given to them, from where the ammunition isinfiltrated into J&K and India, that should stop. If that happens, then Ican assure you that peace will prevail on the borders,” he added.
Referring to the suspension of anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir,he said that it was an attempt to make people realise the benefits of peace.
“The suspension of operations or what we call NICO (Non-initiation ofcombat operations) has been done to make the people believe and see how theatmosphere is when there is peace. The way an atmosphere of peace and calmis here right now, in my opinion, the people here are very happy withthat,” he said.
On May 16, the Home Ministry had announced that security forces would notlaunch any operations in J&K during the holy month of Ramzan. However, thesecurity forces reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essentialto protect the lives of innocent people.
Gen Rawat said the Army will think about continuing the unilateralceasefire if the peaceful situation continues in the valley.
“If this atmosphere of peace continues, then I assure you that we willthink about continuing with NICO. But if there is some action by theterrorists, then we will have to rethink on this ceasefire or suspension ofoperations or NICO,” he said.
Gen Rawat was in Pahalgam to launch Digital Education in five Army GoodwillSchools which has been established with the help of Power Grid Corporationand Extra Marks Foundation.