By proposing the extension of ceasefire to the 132 km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) in Siachen and tagging the infiltration rider, the Vajpayee government has kept in mind the Army’s apprehensions about Pakistan’s Line of Control initiative. The Army top brass, which today discussed the new initiative by Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali, was positive on cessation of firing along the 740 km long LoC in Jammu and Kashmir but wanted this extended to the AGPL, the scene of daily artillery duels. Hours later, Pakistan said its ceasefire offer extended to the entire Kashmir region which also included the Siachen glacier. Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said he presumed there was no need for a separate ceasefire offer for Siachen as the Pakistan offer included the glacier.At the highest battlefield, the two armies use heavy artillery not for destruction but for effect: it keeps at bay all adventurous designs. With the Army on the Saltoro ridge right up to Indira Col, the Defence establishment fears that Pakistan may use the ‘‘no-firing’’ pact to occupy new positions on the Siachen Glacier. Unlike the LoC, the AGPL is not recognised by the Shimla Agreement. But the Army top brass welcomed the ceasefire from Sangam to NJ 9842 because they had been receiving reports of militants trying to enter Tangdhar, Keran and Gurez sectors in North Kashmir before snow cuts off the passes. Although the area north of Zozilla Pass has received unusually heavy snow this winter, the passes to its south are expected to close only mid-December. The military operations’ assessment is that the troops will have to maintain vigil in the area south of Pir Panjal — Poonch and Rajouri sectors — so that infiltration does not take place during the ceasefire. The top brass is of the opinion that even if India were to fully reciprocate the Pakistani gesture, it would not hold its fire if there’s visible infiltration on ground. ‘‘While the 15 Corps area (north of Pir Panjal) will be snowed in, our focus will be on the 16 Corps area (to the south) to ensure there’s no infiltration,’’ a senior Army Commander said. The LoC ceasefire, when it’s effected, will bring peace dividends to farmers in Poonch, Rajouri and Mendhar sectors. Cessation of firing from across the LoC will allow farmers to sow the Rabi crop.
