New Delhi, Sep 15 : Union Defence Minister A K Antony today reacted strongly to the failed infiltration bid by militants in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, and pointed fingers at Pakistan for supporting terror groups operating inside India.

“A large number of non-state armed groups have sanctuaries in our neighbouring states who use these bases and resources to carry out acts of terrorism across India,” he said.

“Militants are getting support from across the border and this is a fact,” Antony said on the sidelines of a seminar organised by Centre for Joint Warfare Studies 
(CENJOWS).

The Pakistani troops in a major ceasefire violation fired at Indian forward posts in Mendhar and Soujian sectors in Poonch district on Saturday and Sunday. Sources also reported a major ceasefire violation in Rajouri district, where Pakistani troops reportedly fired 8-10 rockets on Sagar-Bhala Gun hilltop, Gorha, Chaja and other posts.

“The recent firings along the LoC is mainly an infiltration attempt by militants and the armed forces are keeping a vigil on it,” Antony said.

The Defence Minister said that by and large “we have been able to defeat the attempts of militants,” and added that in coming few months are crucial and “we have to be more alert and the armed forces have been asked to be more vigilant.”

Commenting on whether Pakistan is still supporting terrorism, Antony said: “Pakistan is in transition to democracy again and we wish that there is peace and stability.”

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor said: “ Infiltration is an ongoing process. It has increased in past one-and-half months. As of now normalcy is returning in Jammu and Kashmir and the militants are trying to disturb it.”

Sources said two soldiers were injured in the cross-border firing on Saturday and Sunday. In the recent months more than two-dozen clashes have taken place along the LoC. (ANI)