India has said that it will weigh all options in the wake of killing of Indian soldiers along LoC, without creating a situation detrimental to the country's peace and security.
At a function in New Delhi yesterday, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said, the government is aware of its responsibility, and will do the right thing in the interest of the country.
Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh will visit Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir today, to review the security situation. The Army Chief is scheduled to visit the Division headquarters in Rajouri and the 93 Brigade headquarters to take stock of the security situation.
Army officials said, Gen. Singh is also expected to meet the Commanding Officer and troops of the units whose personnel were killed in Pakistan's Border Area Team action.
Officials said, Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia will also speak to his Pakistani counterpart Maj Gen Asfaque Nadeem.
The issue rocked both Houses of Parliament yesterday, as members cutting across party lines demanded strong action against Pakistan. Defence Minister AK Antony informed the Lok Sabha that a group of 20 armed men along with Pakistani troops ambushed a patrol party early yesterday killing five soldiers.
Mr Antony told Rajya Sabha that India has launched a strong protest with Islamabad and assured the members that the Indian Army is fully ready to take all necessary steps to uphold the sanctity of the LoC.
New Delhi has summoned Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to register its strong protest against the killings.
BJP leader Yashwant Sinha asked the government not to hold talks with Pakistan, as Islamabad has failed to abide by its assurances.
CPIM leader Sitaram Yechury asked the government what steps it has taken so far on the increasing number of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi urged the government to take appropriate measures in view of the incident. Mrs. Gandhi said India can not be cowed down by such blatant acts of deceit. She extended heart felt condolences to the bereaved families of martyred soldiers.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the soldiers will be sent to their native places today. A wreath laying ceremony was organised at Army Hospital in Poonch last evening, where soldiers and officers paid tributes to the five jawans.
