KERAN (KUPWARA): Despite the recent spurt in targeted killings in the mesmerising Kashmir Valley, the fact is the bravehearts of the Indian army had tightened the noose around the terrorists while battling the elements of nature in one of the most challenging climes.
While we, on the plains of India, are complaining about the harsh summer, for our jawans high up in the Himalayas this is the time when they can breathe a sigh of relief from the harsh winters – whose after-effects last for months.
With lofty peaks, rugged mountains and thick forests, Keran Sector had been one of the favourite routes for terrorists to sneak in during the last 33 years of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir.
The New Indian travelled with jawans on a tour organised by the Indian army in the Keran sector of Kupwara to have a first-hand experience of the challenges faced by them while guarding the Line of Control against the Hydra-like enemy.
“It is not the enemy that is the only challenge here,” Brigadier Tapas Kumar Misra, commander, 268 Mountain Brigade, said. “We have to be prepared for the elements of nature as well. Even in June, you can see the thick snow covering the area. Many posts in the area remain cut off for months,” Brigadier Misra added.
“Heavy snowfall is a regular affair and we have to prepare ourselves for the harsh winter session,” Brigadier Misra said, adding, “We store sufficient stock of ration and other requirements before the onset of winter so that our jawans don’t face any inconvenience.”
But despite all arrangements, natural calamities like avalanches remain a constant threat during the winter months.
Tasked with guarding the 55kms of LoC in the sector, the 268 Mountain Brigade is not letting their guards down, come what may.
“Terrorists have tried to infiltrate but we have intercepted them twice. There are no reports of any successful infiltration from our area,” Brigadier Misra said. “Troops are alert as the enemy is always trying to foil peace for its nefarious designs. We are maintaining close vigil and surveillance along the borders,” he added.
Misra said they are getting continuous inputs regarding the presence of terrorists on the other side of the LoC. “As we intercepted them and foiled infiltration bids, we believe there are terrorists within the launch pads who always want to infiltrate to this side. We are watching all the developments closely and seriously,” he said.