Pak deploys additional troops along Indo-Pak border: sources

Poonch (J-K), Jan 11 (PTI) Pakistan has deployed several army brigades along Indo-Pak border in Jehlum-Chenab and Chenab-Ravi corridors in the recent days sparking concern in the Indian armed forces, defence sources said here Sunday.

The forces have been withdrawn from Pakistan's
troubled north-western tribal belt where they were battling
Taliban to put pressure on the US, which has been pressing
Islamabad to act against terrorists operating from its soil,
and diverted to the border with India, they said.

Pakistan has depoyed several brigades (each comprising
4,000 to 6,000 personnel), including 33 brigade, 27 brigade, 7
brigade, 28 brigade, 331 brigade, two battalions (with 1,000
personnel each) of 37 Punjab and 39 Punjab Rawalkote in
Hajira, Mandol, Hajipeer, Uri, Bhimber, Nikial, Kotli,
Sailkote, Zafarwal, Neelam valley and other areas, sources
said.

"The deployment has been a surprising move. It is an
area of concern for us," they said adding that the Pakistani
side has already cleaned the bunkers along the borderline.

The sources said "several brigades involved in the war
against Taliban in north-western tribal belt have been
withdrawn and deployed along Jehlum-Chenab corridor in the
past one week."

Some troops have also been deployed in Chenab-Ravi
corridor.

"Pakistan wants to put pressure on the US by shifting
troops from anti-Taliban operations. They are deploying them
on border in the name of safeguarding its frontiers with
India" by taking advantage of the tensions following the
Mumbai terror attacks, they said.

One of the two divisions (with approximately 13,000 TO
15,000 men) deployed in Waziristan was withdrawn, they said
quoting intelligence inputs and added that over 400 to 500
vehicles carrying troops have pulled out from Bajaur, Mohmmad
and Waziristan during past over one week.

Army troops are keeping a close watch over the
situation on Line of Control on the border side, they said
adding that troops of 19 division have also been moved closer
to Indo-Pak border.

Pakistani Rangers have cleared their bunkers and given
them a face lift during the last fortnight, the sources said
adding that there is also increase in the number of Pak
rangers on the international border from Akhnoor to
Pathankote.

Pak troops have also "activated their special
operational intelligence units and put SOIU detachment in
various forward areas along the border line," they said.

"The troops are maintaining A tight vigil along the
border. They are patrolling the area round the clock. They are
alert," the defence sources said. PTI AB
AM