Srinagar, June 14 (IANS): Defence Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said the Indian Army is fully equipped and strong enough to deal with ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to media persons on his arrival in summer capital Srinagar Saturday, Jaitley said: "I have come here to review the overall security situation. I shall be interacting with officials on this during my stay here".
Replying to a question on the ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu region Friday, when the Pakistani Army used mortars to target Indian positions, the defence minister said: "Our army is strong enough and well-equipped to deal with such violations."
Jaitley was briefed about the security situation on the borders and in the hinterland at the Badami Bagh headquarters of army's 15 Corps by the GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt. General, D.S. Hooda and the commanders of the 14, 15 and 16 Corps. Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh was present during the briefing.
Jaitley is scheduled to meet Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday afternoon. Governor, N.N.Vohra is to host a dinner for the defence minister in the evening at the Raj Bhavan.
The defence minister is co-chairing a meeting of the unified headquarters here Sunday with the chief minister.
Unified headquarters is the apex security grid in the state comprising the army, paramilitary forces, state and central intelligence agencies, local police and senior officials of the state government.
He is scheduled to visit some forward positions Sunday when he will interact with officers and jawans.