Expressing grave concern over the ongoing ceasefire violations and firing from the Pakistani side across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne on Saturday said India may have to look at “some other options.”
Asked what suggestion he gave to the political leadership as the senior most military officer in the wake of the recent happenings along the LoC, the IAF chief said: “The way we view the whole situation is that we have a Line of Control, we have a ceasefire agreement, we have certain mechanisms, we have certain structures, and that is sacrosanct.’’
He was speaking to journalists during his visit to the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day camp here.
Air Chief Marshal Browne said: “Any violation of these [mechanisms] with impunity especially what has been happening in the last few months is totally unacceptable. We are monitoring the situation very carefully because if these things continue the way they are and the violations continue to take place then perhaps we may have to look at some other options for compliance.’’
The IAF chief is also the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Without elaborating on the options being looked at by the government, he said: “Options are options. We do not discuss these options openly. If the violations continue, we may have to look at the whole issue all over again.’’
India has requested a brigadier-level meeting in the Mendhar sector but there has been no response from Pakistan so far, sources in the government said on Saturday. The skirmishes on the LoC have led to the death of four soldiers from both sides since Sunday.
On Friday, Defence Minister A.K. Antony had said the government was closely monitoring the situation and “will take every step to protect our interest and the prestige of our armed forces.’’
