Ruling out the demilitarisation of Jammu and Kashmir as suggested by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Army Chief General JJ Singh on Friday said continued presence of terrorist-infrastructure across the Line of Control necessitated troop-presence in the state.
"We need to be present. Terrorist camps still exist across the LoC and infiltration is still on," said Gen Singh, observing that the Army had been assigned a task in the northern state, which it was implementing with all resources at its command.
We'll tackle terror in Kashmir: Musharraf
While admitting that anti-terror measures taken during the past year had led to considerable reduction in violence in J&K, the Army chief, however, maintained that the Army would continue its duties in the state as long as incidents of violence do not come down to negligible levels.
Interacting with media persons in New Delhi, Gen JJ Singh noted that the fence built along the Line of Control had helped contain infiltration 'but there are other routes from where terrorists can enter the country.'
Averring that the situation was reviewed regularly and force levels maintained as required, the Army chief pointed out that the government had adequately responded Gen Musharraf's suggestion.
