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Fernandes rules out unilateral ceasefire in J&K

Defence Minister George Fernandes Monday ruled out a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir saying "security forces react in self defence".

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar at the heavily guarded conference centre after inaugurating a buyer-seller meet, the first of its kind in the Kashmir valley, Fernandes said, "The question of unilateral ceasefire does not arise as it is not the security forces who initiate. We only respond".

The defence minister was replying questions on the latest statement by the Hizbul Mujaheedin chief Syed Salahuddin. He however said that he has way back in 1990 opined that the "solution to problems lie on the political front.

Fernandes denied reports that Pakistan had moved nine army divisions to the border.

He said, "One division of the Pak army is busy in an exercise about 75 kms away from the border. We have an agreement under which any country can conduct exercises at a distance 70 to 75 kms from the border without intimating the other side".

Fernandes ruled out any threat from Pakistan saying, "There is no question of a Kargil type intrusion". He however disclosed that infiltration of militants was continuing and added "Pakistan has stepped up hostilities against India".

"A Kargil type situation cannot arise in Kupwara and Poonch sectors in the state and if Pakistan does so, it will be war and not intrusion".

He said in Kargil the area was unmanned from 1972 while both Kupwara and Poonch sectors are properly being manned by the army.

The defence minister strongly opposed deployment of army in the troubled districts of Bihar saying "I have always been against the deployment of the army in dealing with internal situations. The Bihar police with the help of paramilitary forces will be able to tackle it".

Earlier the defence minister while inaugurating the buyers and sellers meet said appropriate measures would be initiated for giving preference to products manufactured by entrepreneurs of Jammu and Kashmir to meet requirements of the army in the state. But he said "this is possible only when the industry fulfills laid down norms and standards for procurement".

Director General, army procurement, Lt Gen Kuldip Singh called for "close rapport between the army and industry for defence preparedness of the country". He added that, "Interaction with local entrepreneurs would be a continuous process".

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