SOURCE: INDIA TODAY
The Army’s 15 Corps commander, Lieutenant General BS Raju said on Saturday that Pakistan is trying to send more terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) despite being on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for failing to check the flow of money to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Speaking to India Today TV, Lt Gen BS Raju said despite the FATF pressure, there has been no change in Pakistan’s actions. “Despite FATF pressure, Pakistan continues to send terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir. There is clear evidence that they [the terrorists] belong to Pakistan,” Lt Gen BS Raju said.
“On the ground, there is full support to terrorists from Pakistan. What more proof is required for Pakistan’s involvement. There is no change in Pakistan, despite the FATF grey listing.” He also said that Pakistan’s attempts to instigate trouble are very much alive.
Lt Gen BS Raju said, “Infiltration has been reported from LoC and Jammu. There have been three instances of infiltration recently from LoC. We have made new recoveries. Pakistan’s mood to instigate trouble is still very much alive [despite FATF grey listing].”
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Lt Gen BS Raju also said that terrorists prefer new moon nights for infiltration. “New moon nights are used for infiltration. Pakistan has been trying to push terrorists but they have broken rules. New moon night is preferred for infiltration.”
Speaking about the Kashmir situation, Lt Gen BS Raju said the situation has improved. “There is a sense of calm. More local terrorists have been killed. Our concern is all the terrorists, both local and foreign. Foreign terrorists are more trained than local terrorists.”
On terrorists’ Chinese link, Lt Gen BS Raju said, “We have seen some Chinese equipment with the terrorists. There is a PLA presence.”
On Rafale aircraft, Lt Gen BS Raju said, “Rafale induction is a good move. It will change ground and air tactics. Any new equipment is good. It is fourth-generation aircraft which has proved its mettle. Whether it will be deployed at LAC or LoC, it would be the Air Force’s decision.”
India on Wednesday received its first batch of new multi-role fighter aircraft in two decades with the arrival of five Rafale jets, giving the country’s air power a strategic edge in the midst of a bitter border row with China in eastern Ladakh and frayed ties with Pakistan.
The aircraft, having an undisputed track record and considered one of the most potent combat jets globally, landed at the Ambala Air Force base at around 3:10 PM to a rousing reception, nearly four years after India inked an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 Rafales.
