Pak. gearing for high-altitude warfare

By Atul Aneja

NEW DELHI, MARCH 12. Pakistan has recently bought enough special equipment and clothing in Europe to push in an Army battalion in high-altitude areas.

According to sources in the Government, Pakistan has bought 25 snowmobiles and 451 Parkas (special winter jackets) from Belgium. The snowmobiles can push men and equipment quickly along icy slopes to forward posts. The deal, estimated at six million Belgian francs, includes the purchase of 971 pairs of snow-boots - enough to equip an entire battalion.

The purchase of high-altitude gear by Pakistan, according to analysts, reveals Islamabad's possible intent to intensify pressure on Indian forces along the Line of Control. Specifically, Pakistani troops, of around a brigade strength, have been positioned in the Uri and Muzaffarbad sectors, facing Tangdhar on the Indian side of the LoC.

Tensions are also high along the Poonch-Rajouri alignment, separated from the Kashmir Valley by the Pir Panjal range. The areas of Rajouri, Nangi Tekri and Sunderbani have become especially prone to cross-border violence. These areas also straddle major infiltration routes heading either towards the Doda area or the Kashmir Valley.

Analysts here say that the spiralling tensions due to heightened post-Kargil militancy in Jammu and Kashmir may become ``intolerable'' in the next few months. Both sides are therefore taking no chances, in case tensions lead to a larger military engagement. Pakistan watchers point out that Islamabad, has in the past preferred to fight India in Kashmir. The well-developed road network on its side, easier terrain and anticipation of local support has encouraged Pakistan to operate in Kashmir. By keeping the Kashmir issue on the boil, Pakistan also seeks to realise its political objective of internationalising the area as a nuclear flashpoint.

India, on the other hand, finds greater freedom of manoeuvre in the desert terrain of Rajasthan, rather than Kashmir. Preferring armoured manoeuvres backed by aerial strikes, military planners have laid greater emphasis on acquiring equipment and imparting training for rapid tank thrusts in the Rajasthan area.

Aware of India's doctrinal accent, Pakistan has also begun strengthening its forces in the Kutch area near the disputed Sir Creek. By realigning its strength in southern Pakistan, Islamabad may be signalling its intent to target India's shore-based industrial heartland revolving around the energy hub of Bombay High to offset New Delhi's operational advantages in deserts.

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