NEWS

What defence minister thinks of war games with Pak

By Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar
July 28, 2007 21:00 IST

Defence minister A K Antony on Saturday said both infiltration and violence was continuing in Jammu and Kashmir despite the improvement in the overall security situation.

"Any slackening can deteriorate the security situation here," he said.

About the demand of relocation of the security forces, the defence minister said, "I will not answer this. I am not evading the question, but the prime minister has appointed two committees on this and we are waiting for their reports.

"The Indian army is not an occupation army. They did not come out of the barracks on their own. They came out to bring in peace on the request of the state government and the people."

He confirmed that the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan had slowed down because of the recent developments in Pakistan. "But, the ceasefire is maintaining on the borders and our efforts are continuing to improve relations with the neighbouring country."

Antony also said the Indian and Chinese armies would hold a joint defence exercise in October.

When asked about the possibilities of a joint military exercise with Pakistan, Antony said, "Ten years before, we could not imagine that we would have joint exercises with China."

On the issue of internecine shootouts within the security forces and instances of suicides among the deployed troopers, the defence minister said, "We are concerned about this and we are taking a lot of measures to stop this. The state government should also come forward to lend support to the troops. See the conditions of the troops doing duties on the Siachen glacier," he said.

He said the stress level among the troops is being reduced.
Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

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