There has, however, been a significant drop in terror activities in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajnath Singh said

Pakistan continuously tries to disturb peace in the country through its approach of bleed India with a thousand cuts, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.

There has, however, been a significant decline in the number of terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir despite this, Singh, who was a visit to the forward areas of Jammu & Kashmir, said.

“Our neighbour has always resorted to anti-India activities. The state also witnessed terror activities in the past. Due to the relentless efforts of the personnel of Armed Forces, BSF, CRPF & J&K Police, there has been a significant decline in the number of terror activities in the state recently," the Defence Minister said, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

"Pakistan continuously tries to disturb peace in the country through its approach of bleed India with a thousand cuts. But, our security forces are such a protective shield for this country that whoever tries to break it, bleeds himself. The Nation has immense faith in our forces who are always ready to deal with any situation,” Defence Minister Singh said.

Interacting with personnel of the Armed Forces, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and J&K Police, he commended them for fulfilling their responsibilities efficiently even in challenging situations, describing their valour and zeal as remarkable.

The Defence Minister undertook a first-hand assessment of the situation in the formations looking after Line of Control (LoC) and forward areas in North Kashmir, the Ministry of Defence said.

He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C), Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi; GoC, 15 Corps Lt Gen AS Aujla and GoC, 19 Infantry Division Maj Gen Ajay Chandpuria.

He was briefed on the existing ceasefire agreement on the LoC, development works on field fortifications, counter infiltration grid, operational preparedness and Army-citizen connect in border areas.

Upon his arrival at 15 Corps HQs, Singh was briefed by the GOC 15 Corps on the overall security situation prevalent on Line of Control and the hinterland. He was also briefed on the measures instituted for the safety and security of Amarnath Yatra, the defence ministry said.