Situation at LoC under control, Army prepared for any contingency: Lt Gen Ranbir Singh

General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC) Northern Command, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh on Wednesday asserted that the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir is under control even as there is no change in the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Lt. Gen. Singh said, "The situation is under control. However, the situation remains fragile because of the attempt by Pakistan to push infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir. As per inputs available to us, there is no change in terrorist infrastructure across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and therefore, we keep having several reports of infiltration attempts by Pakistan trained terrorists."

Lt. Gen. Singh's comments have come amidst a spike in terror strikes in the Kashmir Valley. Just on Wednesday, a gun battle between terrorists and security forces broke out in Fateh Kadal in downtown Srinagar.

A policeman was killed and three militants, including a wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, were smoked out in an hour-long encounter.

"Our counter-infiltration grid at LoC, at various tiers of the grip up to the hinterland, is very effective and it is because of that we have been able to neutralise a large number of terrorists," added Lt. Gen. Singh in Kangra during the first inter-services para-gliding competition.

Reacting to the reports of surgical strike threat by Pakistan, the GOC reiterated that the Indian Army is prepared for any contingency. And, will exhibit its capabilities when required. "It doesn't really matter what statements are made from which quarter, it is important for us to retain, and refine our capabilities, and be prepared for any contingencies at all times," he said.

The Army Commander also spoke about the recent controversy surrounding Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Manan Wani, the research scholar from Aligarh Muslim University.

"The Army is fully cognisant of the ground realities, there is a lot of potential in the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. And, the army's efforts are always towards harnessing these energies between the good of the state and the nation."

Lt. Gen Singh assured that the army will ensure the panchayat and municipal polls in Jammu and Kashmir are smoothly conducted by the authorities.