Pakistan targeting Indian Army bunkers along LoC using US anti-tank missiles: Report

A report has claimed that Pakistan has been using US anti-tank missiles to attack Indian Army bunkers along the Line of Control (LoC).

The Hindustan Times on Friday reported sources in the Defence set-up as saying that Pakistan, which has intensified ceasefire violations along the 740-kilometre-long de-facto border this year, has started using US TOW-2 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and 120 mm heavy mortars to target Army bunkers in Rajouri and Poonch sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ceasefire violations and resultant exchange of fire has led to the death of nine Indian soldiers and at least 10 Pakistani troops along the LoC this year.

Sources said Pakistan may have offered talks at the DGMP-level but it is continuing with its plans to keep the Kashmir Valley on the edge. Continued ceasefire violations, the February 6 attack on a hospital in Srinagar etc are part of that strategy, they added.

Further, terrorists are being infiltrated into India in the cover of ATGMs and heavy mortar fire, sources added.

In one of the recent ceasefire violations, the Army lost a Captain (Kapil Kundu) and three soldiers after being hit by a 120 mm mortar shell in the Bhimber Gali sector.

The report said Pakistan had acquired these missiles from the United States for self-defence purposes and as part of the US fight against terror in Afghanistan.

One of these unexploded missiles has been taken to the Army Headquarters in Delhi for study.

The Central government has taken a strong stand against the Pakistani ceasefire violations, stating the forces would "give proper reply" to the neighbour.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Have full faith in the valour of our soldiers, and they shall give proper reply."