This refers to the report, “Army Bracing To Blunt Pak Revenge Strike” (December 29). The Indian Army's December 25 counter strike across the Line of Control (LoC) is a fitting retribution to Pakistan which violated ceasefire on Saturday, killing four Indian Army personnel in Rajouri sector. 

This Army operation has been the second major one in the news after the famous surgical strikes of September 29, 2016. As many as 881 provocations across the LoC and nearly 100 along the International Border were reported in 2017. The nearly three-fold increase in ceasefire breach, as compared to last year, is a testimony to the fact that terror sponsors and perpetrators are piqued by India's daring retaliatory attacks. India's new-found vigil and action along the borders speaks volumes about the ‘worry factor’ it has induced into the Pakistan military like never before.

Terror groups are extremely agitated by the reigning-in of notorious stone pelters in Jammu & Kashmir. Both the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba and the Jaish e-Mohammed must be seething in anger over being rendered toothless by India.

Then there is an all-time danger man: Hafiz Saeed now in a politician's getup. Therefore, it is crucial for the Army and the Border Security Force to leave nothing to chance. Reports have it that Army troop movements and soldiers' patrolling are now more circumspect which is good because the lives of our Army men patrolling our borders cannot be compromised. Important days, such as the New year and the Republic Day are round the corner and heightened vigil along key establishments should be the order of the day. Government and defence forces can fulfil their obligation only with pro-active public participation.