India Border Watch: Security and Operations

[member_23455]

However note that the report suggests that the pakis have retreated. Have they retreated or are we still fighting to push them off? That confirmation can only come from IA/GOI.

Was it a plain infiltration attempt, or a ambush and retreat or was it ambush and land grab or plain land grab? Perhaps we may never know or it will come out much later.

Apart from the report which would be based on an IA/GOI brief, circumstantial evidence suggests they would have retreated--take a look at the map posted by Victor--this kind of terrain is built for "ratlines" to use a quaint expression from Operation Anaconda. Also, for obvious reasons Pak army personnel would not want to be trapped in a last ditch defense, especially when cannon fodder is available to them.

We will come to know in the usual piecemeal way - as long as the AAR from this incident is disseminated to the "environment" (to use an IA expression) - but there are unfortunately challenges in that basic mechanism as well.

[Karan M]

Saar both you and RajitO saar have valid objections to the news report.

However note that the report suggests that the pakis have retreated. Have they retreated or are we still fighting to push them off? That confirmation can only come from IA/GOI.

Was it a plain infiltration attempt, or a ambush and retreat or was it ambush and land grab or plain land grab? Perhaps we may never know or it will come out much later.

We'll know that in some time. A 40 man strong infiltration engaging entire brigades makes no sense anyhow.

The other thing is why they did what they did. IMHO, the purpose of this scripted incursion could have been merely to demonstrate to Shri MMS when he was visiting NS, about who actually calls the shots in Isloo.

That objective could have been met via either ambushing Indian soldiers, or when discovered going to ground and holding on to territory as appears more straight forward per the Loonda post incident. Or the second as a backup to the first. The only thing is that if this was a BAT for ambush, why didn't they withdraw when that objective was not met. Which leads to the second point, that up the PA chain, it was decided to have these guys provoke a fight and stand and hold ground, at the time of the NS-MMS "talks".

[RoyG]

30-40 jihadis sounds like bullshit to me. It's def more. I'm sorry, if they are able to receive supplies, fresh reinforcements will be flowing in as well. This is what I had said earlier. The longer it takes to dislodge the harder it will be. They are trying to stay there as long as possible. The cover up of this Kargil light operation is obvious. What a bloody mess! Watch out for Chinese incursion in another sector.

[vishvak]

PA rat lines must have weakness too and the whole can be exploited- in opposite way and by blocking at places- too. Even more important is destroying terror hotspots that give cover from across the border and make sure the terror hotspots don't get set up again. If there is a pattern of terror hotspots across LoC then better strategies must be enforced.

No point treating LoC as normal border when PA keeps throwing rabid dogs from across.

[Philip]

There was a joint brief by the IA/IAF where the air chief said that the op was too small for its use,that the IA had not asked for any assistance as yet,and that it was meant for "bigger things" or words to that effect.

One has to try and see what Pak hopes to get out of this enterprise.The first point that comes to mind is that this is not an isolated incident.This is part of a strategy that is a continuation of the previous incidents earlier this year.The earlier strikes were meant to "test the waters" so to speak. The Pakis found that they could get across the LOC and inflict casualties on our side.Apart from the usual infiltration into the state to support terror activities in the Valley,there is a similarity to the manner in which the Chinese have been inching their way into India,pushing the border back to their advantage.While we have not engaged in conflict with the intruding Chinese,their strategy is now being used by the Pakis,a poss. JV,where a larger force squats inside the state for a considerable period of time,and forces us to send in a large body of troops and air reccee assets to evict them.The Q being is it a mini-Kargil experiment or what? The size of the infiltration at Kargil saw us forced to go to war locally with Pak.It lost and does not want to go down the same track as before.But the success with which the PRC has enjoyed has shown it that the current Indian regime is weak and our "lion" is in truth a scaredy cat.

In the imminent event of US forces withdrawing from Afghanistan,the Taliban controlled by Pak is going to make much inroad into the country.Karzai is going to have a really tough time in hanging on.The US will do a deal with the devil,the Taliban if its interests are looked after.This means that a sizable number of hard core jihadis will be available for Pak to use at a later stage.They can be transferred to their eastern front apart from Pak relocating its regular forces now engaged in spats with its own anti-state actors.Imagine a scenario where we have several suchlike intrusions taking place simultaneously.Not dangerous enough to justify a full blown conflict,but several stones in ones shoes.Add to this the usual Chinese mischief and one will see that the IA will be facing a two-front situ where we will be on the defensive.It may result in a prolonged localised conflict like a diabetic sore to wound us and force us to yeild to its insidious demands of acquiescence ,especially before MMS is dumped into the dustbin.The timing is also no coincidence,just before and around election time,when this pathetic regime is at its lowest level of competence or incompetence.One can now understand the hysterical and brazen comments of Paki talking heads on telly,who say in many words,"that unless Kashmir is settled there will be no peace".The news that Gen. Kill-Any may be retained as joint chief "with teeth",in overall charge of the Paki military and all anti-terror ops,indicates a continuity in Paki military control over its mil policy towards India,that this is not an isolated incident but one part of a much larger game plan.

The success of this incident,where IA forces have been engaged for almost two weeks and still have not resolved the issue is only going to embolden the Pakis to further up the ante later on.

[RamaY]

Philipji

We have three similar scenarios with China, Myanmar and Pakistan. In each case GoI responded differently. I think following are key differences

1/ Border type - IB, LoC and LAC
2/ Intruder type - Soldiers, Other armed/cilian forces owned by respective Govt and non-state actors.

Now question is, what would be GoI's response if China and Pakistan execute a coordinated border incursion, using their armed forces, in a disputed area. Would GoI respond differently?

[member_23455]

30-40 jihadis sounds like bullshit to me. It's def more. I'm sorry, if they are able to receive supplies, fresh reinforcements will be flowing in as well. This is what I had said earlier. The longer it takes to dislodge the harder it will be. They are trying to stay there as long as possible. The cover up of this Kargil light operation is obvious. What a bloody mess! Watch out for Chinese incursion in another sector.

Since posters are obsessed with bringing up Kargil, let's be intellectually honest and complete the parallel in all respects:

1. The Chinese did not undertake any overt military operation to open up a new front during Kargil.
2. Massive initial casualties were suffered by the Army in its haste to throw out the Pakistani forces. It takes time to "find, fix, finish", especially in this terrain.
3. India "lost face" initially because it was caught with its pants down. It had the last laugh in the end. Pakistan suffered a complete strategic defeat.

Just sayin'....

[Pranav]

I don't understand why it is so difficult to liquidate the vermin with ATGMs, 155 mm artillery, using UAVs for reconnaissance / spotting etc.

[member_23455]

http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/w ... tv/293464?

Have to suffer BDutt, but some useful nuggets FWIW.

[rohitvats]

I've been trying to understand the geography in the sector where the current situation has developed. And make sense of disparate news items appearing in the media.

Here is a snapshot of the area:



Couple of observations -

1. The geography is pretty challenging in the area with steep mountains and nullahs. The area is heavily forested and gradient is very steep.

2. The SOP in the area seems to be to control the ridge line(s) - the picture shows what seems like Company HQ and closer examination of the area shows tracks leading from Company HQ to forward slopes.

3. There are tracks leading to rear slopes and rear-areas - in fact, if people had been paying attention to news footage, one could have made out troops moving up mountain slopes on clearly marked and wide tracks. I don't know whether smaller vehicles like Jeeps can move up these tracks.

4. There are east-west nullahs between these ridge lines - I could not make out any IA posts or any such infrastructure along these nullahs. It is these nullahs which serve as the main infiltration route(s). I think IA sends out patrols and lays ambushes along these nullahs to prevent infiltration.

5. Plus, we have the fence in the rear areas to serve as filter and additional challenge.

6. From military perspective, holding Sala Bhata makes no sense - it is situated on forward slope at a much lower elevation as compared to area around it. It would be under direct supervision of PA posts on higher slopes ahead of it.

7. Setting a 3-side cordon itself would be a challenge - two sides have steep mountain slopes and one open towards the nullahs. While theoretically, you can fire from higher elevation towards the nullahs, the steep slope and heavy forest covers screws such calculations. Plus, you've the PA from opposing slopes across the LOC keeping a watch on you and firing at you to pin you down.

8. Further, I think Sala-Bhata is being used in a general sense - the militants are hiding in the general area taking advantage of the geography and the fact that they have line of communication from PA side.

[Surya]

rohit

there are pictures in India today- -

[vasu raya]

Can they try crop dusters spraying disabling agents (those that they couldn't during 26/11 to avoid civilian casualties), the digital Lakshya used to simulate cruise missiles and can fly 10-15m above GL is a good choice.

The Indian generals worrying about the Paki post opposite the Keran sector is not a good thing, it should be wiped out if required, and it shouldn't take killing of 5 soldiers to get into such aggressive mode. The Indian politicos in power may rather want the paki uniforms to disappear than have evidence and answer the public.

[manjgu]

@rohitvats : and where approx is the fence in the picture posted??

controlling the nullahs is the major issue in CI ops as the fence cant be put up ??

[manjgu]

one of the injured soldiers said that they were firing at the terrorists and that terrorists were below them and then he was suddenly hit from somewhere... so obviously the terrorists were in their flanks or a few above them as well ??

[manjgu]

what is lat / long of the area u have posted??

[nachiket]

one of the injured soldiers said that they were firing at the terrorists and that terrorists were below them and then he was suddenly hit from somewhere... so obviously the terrorists were in their flanks or a few above them as well ??

Could be a paki post across the LOC providing suppressing fire.

[manjgu]

yup..quite possible..that its was PA fire...

[member_23455]

Keran sector, parallel encounters

The MSM, while gratingly hapless in its coverage, continues to be the only source so yesterday's snippets are increasingly posing some interesting questions about the original narrative:

1. Two soldiers say they were in an ambush when the first contact developed. Also seem to be covering some nullah right near the fence. This seems to invalidate the "infiltrators have occupied ghost village" narrative. Because then, our chaps would have been hit assaulting those positions.

2. If the "infiltrators have occupied ghost village" narrative is indeed correct then they have evidently moved forward from those positions and been engaged on the move. Why were they moving? To attack an Indian post, or complete their journey into the hinterland?

3. The images released above seem to be of parallel intrusions happening all along the sector. Was this pre-planned, or were the Pakis trying to take advantage of a developing situation and trying to flood a sector?

4. There were reports of heavy artillery and mortar fire that preceded the infiltration as well, why are the casualties - GSW and burns (phosphorous grenades?) not reflecting that?

Hmmm...

[rohitvats]

@rohitvats : and where approx is the fence in the picture posted??

controlling the nullahs is the major issue in CI ops as the fence cant be put up ??

Have not been able to make out the fence alignment - part of the pictures of areas along LOC are with snow and it is not possible to make out the fence; plus, normal GE lacks the 3D effect and when you zoom in, the features appear pasted to ground.

Will try and make out fence alignment today.

Area coordinates: http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=34.66 ... 5&z=16&m=b

[rohitvats]

I'm re-posting my post earlier - graphic below is my assessment of what is happening:

I think we need to look at the Keran incident from a different angle.

To me, it does not appear like a run of the mill infiltration attempt to sneak terrorist into Kashmir Valley but a more elaborate plan. I think the way word ‘infiltrator’ and ‘infiltration’ is being used in discussion is confusing the issue. For sure there is an infiltration but not of the kind we associate earlier with Kashmir.

A quick summary off facts that we know based on reports in Indian media. Please add or correct if something is amiss:

1. At the time of Samba attacks, we heard of major infiltration bid by the terrorists in Keran sector which was being monitored by the army. There were multiple contacts across 4-5 km front in the sector.

2. Another report says that militants directly descended from PA posts across the LOC directly onto the Sala Bhatta village and occupied Indian position vacant in the village.

3. Sala Bhatta sits between fence and LOC.

4. The infiltrators are in large number with 30-40 being one set of number being thrown about. And that they have shown considerable fire-discipline, good tactics and are holding ground.

5. Sala Bhatta is a village situated on Indian side of LOC at about 9,000 feet on a ridge line. It seems it is dominated by two PA posts on other side of LOC. It is important to note here that mountain terrain in the region consists of various ridge lines running parallel to each other and it is said that PA positions are on a ridge line/mountain slope even higher than ours. Further, more than the height of the village, it is the height of the valley floor and gradient of the mountain slope which matters.

6. Telegraph is the first one to use term ‘fire base’ for terrorist positions in the village and also reports that we’re fighting uphill against the enemy positions.

7. We've been further given to understand that IA has limited the position of terrorists to a 800 x 400 meter zone and has cordoned off the area from 3-sides.

8. The fourth side remains open to LOC and lines of communication from across the LOC.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Based on above, here is my analysis of this incident:

1. First things first – IMO, the theory about arms drop is bunkum and apart from infiltration attempt, this was a land grab exercise with Sala Bhatta being the objective. With this clear, now read on.

2. Pakistan Army pushed in well-trained infiltrators first into the Sala Bhatta village on Indian side of LOC. They were aware of the rotation of Indian Army battalions on our side and the fact the observation posts in the village were vacant.

3. It is likely that Indian Army was aware of this movement of terrorists into Indian Territory and was monitoring them to plan its own course of action.

4. It is my hypothesis that some terrorists, most probably regular PA soldiers or SSG troops, stayed behind in Sala Bhatta village and organized it into a fire cum logistic base. Balance group of terrorists fanned out from this base and this is how multiple contacts were made across 4-5km front on or before the border fence.

5. I think the reason PA has sent such large and well trained group of terrorists is because they were hoping that these groups can fight their way out. Or at least, some of them can sneak into the valley. PA knows it cannot push the quantity like earlier times and hence, may have decided to push highly trained ones. A group like 26/11 can do much more damage and cause more spectacular attacks than your average Joe jihadi.

6. When these groups of terrorists came in contact with IA cordons and ambushes, rather than engage in a futile fire-fight, they retreated. This is again an indication of their level of training. Their fire-discipline and training during this course of withdrawal became apparent to IA.

7. When the IA talks about restricting the terrorists into an 800 x 400 meter box, we can assume that all the groups which tried to infiltrate retreated into this shell. And that their retreat was facilitated by firing from across the LOC.

8. And this shell seems to be centered on Sala Bhatta village. That is why IA is not able to close the cordon. And in spite of all the efforts by the Indian Army, some form of line of communication exists between this village and PA positions on other side of LOC.

9. Now, the terrorists did not choose to melt away to other side of LOC after having managed to retread in pretty good shape. They have dug in themselves in the village and are engaging the IA from these vantage points.

10. This makes me believe that PA was using the BAT + terrorist cover to take-over this area. Newspaper reports talk about PA positions dominating the Indian posts – therefore, had PA decided to take-over Indian posts; it could have done so earlier as well. But is relying on the façade of terrorists to ensure no fingers are pointed at it.

11. With rear area of the village open to PA positions on LOC, this village could have well served as firm base and launch pad for terrorists inside Indian positions.

This action shows that the lines between PA and tanzeems seem to have finally vanished for good; this is further indication of how things will evolve in the future. After withdrawal of US from Afghanistan, PA can use well trained fighters from these fronts for use along the LOC.

Such infiltration attempts of highly trained and battle hardened fighters can be replicated to both push in fighters and make attempts to augment the LOC. PA is again being careful to no cross the artificial threshold set by MMS and GOI; even in present case, it has flatly refused the involvement of its troops in the action. On the contrary, IA will have to perforce use heavy artillery to tackle such situations and will be accused of cease fire violations. Further, given the lack of clarity from GOI on such issues, we’ll be simply forced to react and escalation control and LOC domination will be ceded to PA.

Such firm bases with lines of communication to PA posts and which serve as fire-bases can be replicated at various points inside Indian territory - IA will be forced to retaliate INSIDE Indian territory. Further, since PA involvement is officially denied, IA will be forced to restrict action to positions of terrorists inside our territory and launch assaults to take what may well be tactically useless piece of land. Why? Because it is occupied by terrorists. Normal course of action would be to cordon such an area and obliterate PA positions supporting such enclaves. But that would require clear political directions.

Gentlemen, PA has just laid the framework for next round of fighting along LOC.

[rohitvats]

X Posted from the "Terrorist Islamic Republic of Pakistan - August 21, 2013" thread.

Images of dead Mohammadden Terrorists who were killed by the Indian Army when infiltrating into India from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Keran sector of Jammu & Kashmir.

Pictures / Photographs:

6 Photos

Video and article:

NDTV exclusive: First images of terrorists killed at LoC in Keran

[rohitvats]

I think the image below from NDTV of same area as GE image posted below it - compare the two to assess the terrain and attendant difficulty level:

[rohitvats]

rohit

there are pictures in India today- -

Some of the bodies are too conveniently located for photo-op...

[Rudradev]

Rohitvats ji- is it possible TSPA here is trying out a new infiltration template on the LOC that they perfected over the last 7-8 years in Afghanistan?

Fine salami slicing by combined teams of SSG and irregulars, under firm operational control of SSG, aimed at grabbing & controlling strategic strongpoints, as opposed to pushing in mujahids and planting arms caches. I think they have learned from AfPak experience that the limits of "plausible deniability" and "non state actor" pretexts can be pushed a lot further than they had originally assumed in 1990-2003 period-- because Unkil consistently let them get away with this stuff, even when it cost the lives of US soldiers.

This template only makes sense if they are hunkering down for a Long War where small salami sliced gains can be capitalized on and built upon bit by bit. They won in Afgh by waiting out Unkil. The appropriate retaliation is to impose massive attrittive costs on the Pakis at levels far upstream of the Keran type actions. Let the Pakis know that unlike Unkil, we have no interest in preserving their systemic stability, and we are not afraid of the gun they point to their own head- Aman ki Tamasha be damned.

[nachiket]

^^Unkil's eventual aim was always to leave. They can't postpone that indefinitely. And they don't have nearly enough troops to carry out an effective COIN operation across southern Afghanistan. IA has neither of those constraints. The Taliban popularity in the Pashtun areas of Afghanistan is considerably more than the popularity of and help received by the paki terrorists in Kashmir.

The only common constraint shared by the IA and ISAF is that neither is allowed to directly hit across the border. The Americans use their drones of course but that's about it. I'm sure the American commanders in Afghanistan would have liked nothing better than to pursue the terrorists into Pakistan and hit their bases there. But they weren't allowed to do that. Neither is the IA, but for different reasons.

[Aditya G]

Superb analysis Rohit - you have laid out exactly what the Paki stratagem is.

- They have forced IA into classic "damned if you and damned if you don't situation". They must know that India'a political class has prevented IA or IAF from deploying heavy weaponry.
- At same time the PA shows the political regime its place.
- No loss of lives to its own personnel
- "Non-state actors" do all fighting (cheap labour)
- IA forced into difficult infantry battle that can be won only by numbers at great loss

.....

Such infiltration attempts of highly trained and battle hardened fighters can be replicated to both push in fighters and make attempts to augment the LOC. PA is again being careful to no cross the artificial threshold set by MMS and GOI; even in present case, it has flatly refused the involvement of its troops in the action. On the contrary, IA will have to perforce use heavy artillery to tackle such situations and will be accused of cease fire violations. Further, given the lack of clarity from GOI on such issues, we’ll be simply forced to react and escalation control and LOC domination will be ceded to PA.

Such firm bases with lines of communication to PA posts and which serve as fire-bases can be replicated at various points inside Indian territory - IA will be forced to retaliate INSIDE Indian territory. Further, since PA involvement is officially denied, IA will be forced to restrict action to positions of terrorists inside our territory and launch assaults to take what may well be tactically useless piece of land. Why? Because it is occupied by terrorists. Normal course of action would be to cordon such an area and obliterate PA positions supporting such enclaves. But that would require clear political directions.

Gentlemen, PA has just laid the framework for next round of fighting along LOC.

[/quote]

What is the blue line here representing? Nullah or LOC?

[Aditya G]

Seems that PA is using the Mujahid Force to handle terrorist groups. Evidence of Mujahid battalions keeps cropping up every time there is escalation at LOC

http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/lo ... 81739.html

...

DNA's Ishfaq-ul-Hassan meanwhile reports that a letter seized from a slain infiltrator in the Keran sector has exposed Pakistan’s involvement in the current stand-off on the LoC.

The letter was written by Havaldar Mohommad Yousuf Chaudhary of 645 MD (Mujhaideen) regiment of Pakistan to his “brother Inayat” seeking help for his associate Farid Malik.

“Hope you are in good mood. I have come to know that your letter has reached. I am sending this letter through Farid Malik. Please do whatever you could to help him out,” reads the translation of the letter written in Urdu.

It was seized during one of the operations in the general area of Keran. Army officials say the 645 Mujahideen regiment of Pakistan is notorious for training and aiding militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

...

http://beta.dawn.com/news/800167/mujahi ... oners-woes

THE Mujahid Force Regiment has been playing an excellent role in the defence of the country in the area of responsibility of 10 corps of the Pakistan Army. The regiment, which is generally referred to as ‘AK Rangers’ by Indian media/Indian army spokesmen during the occasional border clashes along the Line of Control (LoC), is a federal government force.

The activated battalions of this group are performing the role of a regular army on the LoC. As defined by the Army Regulations Book, the personnel of these battalions are considered ‘army persons’ and they are also subject to the Pakistan Army Act.

...

[vaibhav.n]

If the Ammunition and Logistic Dump theory holds ground then this is 89-90 redux, when Tanzeems used the Northern Gullies to create massive Ammo Dumps in Handwara, Tithwal and Tanghdar.

The Shamsabari Forest Range has traditionally been a favorite infiltration route for terrorists for years now. The centre of gravity has shifted from north of Pir Panjal to Tithwal-Keran sectors. Two Brigades in addition to 8 Sector RR conducting ops.

[rohitvats]

Rohitvats ji- is it possible TSPA here is trying out a new infiltration template on the LOC that they perfected over the last 7-8 years in Afghanistan?<SNIP>

My initial assessment is that this bid was different from earlier attempts and could be an attempt at land grab - more of intrusion cum infiltration than pure infiltration - Only issue is why would they want to hold ground close to nullah floor which will come under domination from surrounding areas and is tactically weak sited?

Unless, of course, if the territory held is contiguous with PA posts across the LOC and by extending this territory, I can break land connectivity between two parallel ridges with IA posts - that way, POK territory gets pushed inside India and creates a launchpad that much deeper inside India.

But unless PA back any such operation to hilt, it is near impossible for anyone to hold ground inside India - even if one side is open to POK.

[rohitvats]

If the Ammunition and Logistic Dump theory holds ground then this is 89-90 redux, when Tanzeems used the Northern Gullies to create massive Ammo Dumps in Handwara, Tithwal and Tanghdar.

The Shamsabari Forest Range has traditionally been a favorite infiltration route for terrorists for years now. The centre of gravity has shifted from north of Pir Panjal to Tithwal-Keran sectors. Two Brigades in addition to 8 Sector RR conducting ops.

Thanks for sharing this - makes lot of sense.

One reason Shamsabari Range could be favorite infiltration route is because the hinterland of Kashmir is pretty close by from the LOC as the crow flies - and high mountainous terrain with heavy forest cover further helps the terrorists. Of course, given the same terrain, it would take more time to reach the hinterland.

[vaibhav.n]

If the Ammunition and Logistic Dump theory holds ground then this is 89-90 redux, when Tanzeems used the Northern Gullies to create massive Ammo Dumps in Handwara, Tithwal and Tanghdar.

The Shamsabari Forest Range has traditionally been a favorite infiltration route for terrorists for years now. The centre of gravity has shifted from north of Pir Panjal to Tithwal-Keran sectors. Two Brigades in addition to 8 Sector RR conducting ops.

Thanks for sharing this - makes lot of sense.

One reason Shamsabari Range could be favorite infiltration route is because the hinterland of Kashmir is pretty close by from the LOC as the crow flies - and high mountainous terrain with heavy forest cover further helps the terrorists. Of course, given the same terrain, it would take more time to reach the hinterland.

Very true, they will usually hide out the winter in the hinterlands. Also gives then access to the higher reaches in the Lolab Valley.

I need to learn how to use Wikimapia!!

[rohitvats]

<SNIP>
I need to learn how to use Wikimapia!!

Also, download and use Google Earth.

[vaibhav.n]

Thanks!!...However in the interest of full disclosure i am fairly Technologically Challenged!!...

[Aditya G]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-new ... 32415.aspx

The Indian Army has come under fresh attack from militants holed up in Keran sector's Shalbattu village along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.


Intelligence sources said sniper shots were fired twice at the troops late Monday night and there was intermittent firing on Tuesday morning too. No injury was reported.

The firing took place after a lull of six days, said intelligence sources, though the army has maintained that intermittent firing has been going on almost daily since the anti-infiltration operation began on September 24.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that militants have domination over two observation posts of Khokri and Kullar. Pakistan's Biswal and Ahithana posts are just opposite to the two Indian posts.

Seven militants have been killed in two separate infiltration bids in Keran Sector in the first week of October. The fresh batch of infiltrating militants was either heading to join the holed-up militants or trying to divert the army's attention away from the operation.

The army will hold a press conference in Srinagar on Tuesday at noon to update the media about the situation. Recently, the army displayed arms recovered from Keran and Baramulla areas.

For the past 15 days, a large swathe of Keran sector, spread over 6 sq km, is under anti-infiltration operation being carried out by elite soldiers of the army's 9 Para and 4 Para along with troopers of 3/3 GR, 15 RR, 16 GR and 5 ASSAM.

[Aditya G]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/new ... 709650.cms

[nits]

Indian Army calls off Keran operation, says Pakistan Army's role in infiltration obvious

The Indian Army on Tuesday called off the Keran operation, which had entered its third week. Announcing the calling off of the operation by the Army, GOC Northern Command said that the infiltration in the area would not have been possible without the support of the Pakistani Army.

Referring to the Keran operation, the GOC Northern Command said that as many as 59 weapons and night vision devices were recovered by the Army.

He further said, "The search (for the infiltrators) is over, but troops will be redeployed for surveillance."This came a day after the Army on Monday displayed large amount of weapons recovered from the slain infiltrators. The cache includes AK rifles, pistols, fence cutters, night vision binoculars, bullet proof jackets and currency notes.

In last three days, the Army has killed seven infiltrators in Fateh Gali and Gujjardar areas and also busted a militant hideout at Venkora Baramulla, 95 kilometers from the Shala Bhatu where massive combing operation against 30-35 infiltrators was conducted.

The Army, displayed the weapons recovered in Baramulla, that include a Disposal Rocket Launcher, two Rocket Propelled Grenades, one Rifle AK 56, four magazines of Rifle AK 56, 286 rounds of Rifle AK 56, one pistol, one pistol magazine,18 rounds of pistol ammunition, one radio set.

[member_23455]

COAS on the phone with two news channels - Headlines Today and NDTV. Form your own impressions but here are mine:

1. Very clear attempt to define this as a large-scale infiltration. Some people will see the hand of the "hand" in this, or it may simply be the Occam's Razor principle.

2. All pointed questions on tactics and use of escalatory responses deflected to Army Commander. Might have been better then to have him do the detailed briefing. May still happen, and should be worth a listen.

3. Stock line seems to be for now "Yes, there is an uptick in enemy action, but we are prepared." Seemed to also have an undertone of don't expect the army to do anything out of the box, just yet. "Wait and watch till 2014" was an expression used IIRC.

[darshhan]

WRT Keran intrusion attempt I am not buying the Ammo dump theory. The reason being this Area of Operation is bang on LoC. Now why would anyone locate his Ammo dump at one of the most heavily guarded places on Earth.

[Lalmohan]

looking at how restricted the terrain is, must be very difficult to use air options, or for that matter artillery options
short of burning down the forest, not much for it but to play cat and mouse

[pankajs]

Saar air option could have been used but for the reluctance of our current political setup. They are afraid to even use Bofors. For them the easiest option is to throw more bodies at the problem. So what if more soldiers are put in harms way than required. Are they not paid to die for upholding such policies.