National
Pak. troop build-up causes concern
By Shujaat Bukhari
SRINAGAR, DEC. 17. Amidst the `war of words' between India and Pakistan in the past few days, Pakistani troops today increased their movement along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border in Jammu region. The visible build-up along the border has caused concern to the Indian side.
As tension between the two countries rose following the attack on Parliament, the movement of troops across the border has also gone up. A senior Army officer at the Udhampur- based Northern Command told The Hindu this evening that the build-up was continuing even after the end of the Pakistan winter exercises. ``They have increased their movement forward in the past few days with changes in deployment of heavy weaponry along the borders and what is significant is their continuous stay after the routine winter exercises'' he said. Pakistani troops have been retained in these areas, including north and southeast of Sialkot, Jalalpur, Gujrawalan and Mirpur Khair. They have also cancelled the Id leave of their jawans and put troops on high alert, the officer said.
Massing of forces was also seen opposite the Indian corridor in Jammu, Poonch and Pathankot areas. ``It is a matter of serious concern to us and any build-up in the Jhelum-Chenab and Chenab-Ravi corridor is always a threat to us'' the officer said ``as it is opposite to the sensitive areas of Akhnoor, Samba and Pathankot''.
Indian troops have been briefed on these developments and asked to be vigilant. But the sources said that there was no decision yet to have a build-up from this side. ``We are waiting for orders from Delhi in this regard but are fully prepared to face any challenge'' the officer said.
Pakistan had moved around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LoC and IB in Jammu region in the first week of November. The movement of Mangla-based 1 Striking Corps was a significant development, as it is considered to be a strong formation. These troops were spread over 20 km along the border. Two-and-a-half infantry divisions of the Pakistan Army and armoured brigades had been moved from the Kharian sector. These troops, sources said, were drawn from eight independent armoured brigades, which were part of the Mangla Corps. Men from Sialkot- Shakargargh sectors, 31 Corps in Bahawalpore and 5 Corps in Karachi were also involved in the build-up.
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