NEW DELHI, June 30: The Indian army claims it has more proof of infiltration into Kashmir after three men were killed while trying to cross over into Indian territory.

The claim contradicts remarks by Defence Minister George Fernandes who had said that incursions had come to a virtual stop, Star News reported on Sunday.

In a separate development in what appears to be a hardening of India’s position on Kashmir with an eye on elections due there in October, the Rahstriya Swayamsewak Sangh proposed the trifurcation of the state along communal lines.

The RSS proposal throws a new challenge to international efforts to resolve the dispute.

Star News, quoting senior army officials said: “The Pakistani launching post in the Mendhar area of the Line of Control is what the Indian army says continues to be a launching pad for infiltrators from across.”

It said three men trying to cross over were killed just as they crossed over into Indian territory.

“The intruders were bringing in a large quantity of ammunition and explosives and were also carrying Pakistani rupees.”

“The things they are carrying are all made in Pakistan. It indicates that these are Pakistani terrorists and infiltration is continuing and Pakistan posts are helping them,” observed Brig Mahesh Errana, 16 Corps.

The Indian Army has detected a couple of infiltration attempts. It reiterates that Pakistan Army is aiding and abetting infiltration and now says that there will be a measured response to it.

The army’s statements come barely a week after Defence Minister George Fernandes went on record to say that infiltration had virtually stopped — multiple voices that seem aimed at keeping the pressure on Pakistan. — JN