Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 21

As the threat of infiltration and increase in terror activities from the Pakistan side is on the rise following the death of militant commander Burhan Wani on July 8 in Kashmir, the Army is increasing its vigil on areas under its control near the international border (IB).Within eight days, Western Command chief Lt Gen KJ Singh visited border areas and Jammu twice to take stock of the security situation.Earlier, KJ Singh visited border areas of Samba and Kathua districts on July 12 and on Tuesday (July 19) he had a tour of Tiger Division based at Jammu. During his visit to Jammu, he had a detailed discussion with officers and soldiers of Tiger Division and asked for maintaining greater synergy between Army and civilians living in border areas.“He was of the opinion that civilians of border areas have always helped the Indian Army to thwart any design of terrorists to rein terror in the area. He wanted greater synergy between Army and public to help in maintaining peace in the region,” said a Defence source.The Western Command chief wants to improve the condition of the Udhampur-Dhar road, which will help the Army as well as improve the living of people whose movement is dependent on this road. “It will help the Army in improving its logistics,” Lt Gen KJ Singh said.The Western Command is maintaining the second line of defence on areas close to the international border and on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway, which has remained on the radar of terrorists after infiltrating from the Pakistan side. The Army has remained on the targets of terrorists on the Jammu-Pathankot highway and this highway has remained vulnerable.Thus keeping in mind these aspects, the Western Command chief wants to keep foolproof security in place which will help in thwarting any future attacks without suffering loss.During his July 12 visit to border areas, the Western Command chief took a stock of the security arrangements in these sensitive areas and complimented the troops in successfully maintaining a high state of vigil against enemy designs, braving the odds of terrain and weather.