JAMMU: The latest skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani troops in Poonch Uri and Machel have leftover 20 Pakistani soldiers killed about 40 others injured and on the Indian side four Jawans including one captain were killed and 10 others injured. It was after the two sides wasted lot of ammunition and explosives the field commanders decided to sort out the irritants through consultations. Reports indicated that sporadic exchange of fire between the two sides was continuing at three places on the border.

Taking the advantage of the Resettlement Bill the Pakistani authorities have enrolled several hundred muhajir for carrying out subversive activities in the valley. The occupation of several houses in Poonch by the Pakistani troops in recent days is said to be part of the plan to allow muhajirs to occupy these houses and then march in small groups to Jammu and then to the valley. The Indian troops Thursday drove away the Pakistani troops from six abandoned houses in the Chedney area of the border district. Four Indian soldiers were wounded.

The operation is continuing. Fifteen residential houses on the border had been occupied by the Pakistani troops after their owners along with their families had crossed over to Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Another report said that over 5000 trained militants have already come closer to the border are pressurizing Pakistani agencies to create avenues for their march to Kashmir. Hence the Pakistani troops unprovoked firing in Poonch Rajouri Machel Kerar and Karna areas during the past three weeks.

Official sources confirmed reports that even the most peaceful border belt in Uri has been witnessing intermittent gun roars since agencies across the Line of Actual Control were trying to find a gap on the border to enable bigger groups to trek the Srinagar.

The sources also disclosed that Pakistani troops were keen on grabbing some Indian territory which could help Islamabad in bargaining during the forthcoming talks between the two sides (Indian newspaper reports)

Article extracted from this publication >> September 6, 1991