Pointing out that Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir was still 'a cause of concern,' Defence Minister A K Antony on Monday said the armed forces could not afford to drop guard and needed to maintain high operational readiness.
"Armed forces need to cut routine expenditure to ensure that more funds flow to upgrading weaponry," Antony told services top brass, stating that this was important to give the forces a cutting edge, in the face of tense geo-political situation still prevailing in the region.
Though various political and diplomatic developments and initiatives on both sides have increased the levels of expectancy, the defence minister said, "There has been no change in Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This remains a cause of concern to us.
For Indo-Pak talks to succeed, Islamabad will have to put an end to cross-border terrorism, Antony said, while addressing top army commanders here for their bi-annual conference.
Referring to Islamabad's increasing its defence expenditure and receiving military assistance from various countries, Antony said, "Although we wish to continue talks with Pakistan, it is imperative for us to keep a close watch on various developments and maintain constant vigil."
The minister's remarks assume significance as the four-day conference of commanders to be chaired by the Army Chief Gen J J Singh is to review demands for troop reduction in Jammu and Kashmir as well as demilitarisation of the Siachen glacier on which Indian and Pakistani officials are believed to have covered a lot of ground.
Making a reference to this, Antony said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was by and large under control, with the level of violence having been brought down by effective operations of the security forces.
"The policy of iron fist with velvet glove as enunciated in the recently released doctrine on sub-conventional warfare is paying dividends," the defence minister said.
Emphasising that though violence levels might have come down, threats still persisted, Antony told the commanders that time had come for them to work for cut in day-to-day expenses to ensure that more funds were available for weaponry up-gradation and modernisation of the forces.
Asking the top brass to adopt the motto of 'service with simplicity,' he said commanders and military planners should embrace austerity and shun profligacy to ensure optimum and efficient utilisation of funds.
The minister's tough words to the Army top brass come in the wake of assessments of Army surrendering large amounts of funds over the last two years, having failed to sew up major procurement deals in time.
On the situation in the northeast, the defence minister blamed the United Liberation Front of Assam's 'intransigence' for break down in peace talks. On military operations against the group, Antony said it was due to sustained pressure built by security forces on the group that had reduced its ability to influence and intimidate people.
Conducive security environment in the region has been manifested by holding of peaceful election and smooth conduct and organisation of the national games in Guwahati.
He said another sign of wish for peace in the region was that more and more underground groups were entering into 'suspension of operations' agreement with the government.
While patting the armed forces for putting the terrorist groups on the run, the minister drew into the top brass the need for taking utmost care and human rights were not violated while undertaking anti-insurgency operations.
"Our armed forces need to guard against any incidence of violation of human rights in their fight against terrorism," Antony said.
He said, "While the need to exert pressure on the terrorists is necessary, utmost care needs to be taken to avoid any act, which may be exploited by terrorists to alienate the population. This has an adverse impact on the gains made so painstakingly."
On China, the minister said India was following a policy of 'positive engagement' in an attempt to forge better ties. He said the institutionalisation of CBM's and signing of an agreement on political parameters have provided added impetus.
