Army rules out Taliban presence in J-K

The Army on Wednesday ruled out the presence of the Taliban in Jammu and Kashmir and said it was "capable" of tackling any terrorist threat. "There is absolutely no confirmed reports of any Taliban footprints in Jammu and Kashmir or elsewhere (in the country)," General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps, Lieutenant General Rameshwar Roy told media-persons in Jammu.

"As regards to the future, if at all any such thing happens, we are capable of tackling any kind of fighters of any category," he said. Talking to media soon after attending a programme here to mark India's victory over Pakistan in 1971 war, Roy said there had been no increase in the number of foreign terrorists in J&K as of now. He said the terrorists were losing support from all sides. "The kind of support militants got in past is not there today, from the population or any where else. Security forces have become more capable to deal with the situation," Roy said, adding the

security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been better this year to previous year.

The officer also ruled out that top militant commanders were in Jammu and Kashmir for recruiting new cadres. "They are scared to come here as they know that they will be eliminated," he said.On the military crackdown on extremists by the Pakistan, Roy said, "Paksitan army is resorting to massive human rights violations on their own people -- Pushtooms, Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban." To a question about the change in attitude of Pakistan in terms of aiding and sponsoring cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

"It is still running on its old policy." "(But) we hope one day they will change," Roy added. Referring to the December 16, he said "It is historic day not only for country but also Indian army. After world war second, this is the biggest achievement any country had, as India on December 16, 1971 when they captured 90 thousand troops of Pakistan alive."