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India considering further de-escalatory steps

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

The Indian government may further relax the military deployment against Pakistan in the next few days after observing that country's 'attitude', top defence ministry officials told rediff.com on Saturday.

They said the de-escalation may take place along the Punjab and Rajasthan border, but ruled out any thinning of troops along the Line of Control and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir.

The pullback may also see the strike corps move to a defensive position, from the present offensive posturing along the border, they said.

Some of the non-essential troops, including support teams, could also go back to their original bases, they added.

Other de-escalatory measures contemplated include withdrawal of Indian Air Force fighters amassed on the forward areas, to their respective bases.

IAF had sent several fighters from its various bases around the country to the forward bases along Pakistan after December 13 attack last year on Indian Parliament.

"All these steps expected over the next two months would be taken only after we are satisfied with Pakistan's attempts to end infiltration," a senior defence ministry official told rediff.com.

He also said that the deployment in Jammu and Kashmir would continue till the end of state assembly election to be held in October.

"Peaceful conduct of the state assembly election in the troubled state is being considered by the government as the litmus test of Pakistan," he said.

"If violence level goes up then (during election), and if we get indication that Pakistan is again supporting militants, then we will act. Military option has yet not been ruled out," he added.

India had initiated de-escalatory steps by recalling 20 warships patrolling the Arabian Sea to Mumbai port two weeks ago. That step was quickly followed by the lifting of the ban on overflights by Pakistan commercial aircraft through Indian airspace.

Army battalions deployed along the border have also begun granting leaves to its soldiers on an emergency basis since last week. As of now no more than 15 per cent of the total strength of units are being granted leaves. In peace times, up to 30 per cent of the unit can be on leave at a given point of time.

The three forces are also resuming courses at their various training schools.

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