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Fencing of border at any cost: Abdullah

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday confirmed that the fencing of border between Kathua and Akhnoor in Jammu region is in progress. He said the work would be completed at "all costs."

"Work of border fencing is in progress," Abdullah told the state assembly during a discussion. He confirmed that "some stretches have already been fenced" and added that "there was a need to be vigilant and take measures to prevent infiltration from across the border."

Pakistan has objected to the fencing work triggering tensions on the border.

Abdullah said Islamabad should not see "our desire for peace as a weakness." He said India is strong enough to teach Pakistan a lesson.

The chief minister said the Union government is "closely monitoring the situation in the state and "will not hesitate to withdraw the ceasefire as and when it finds it is no longer in the interest of the people and the country."

He said the "peace initiative" has enhanced India's image globally and exposed Pakistan's mischievous designs."

The chief minister, however, at the same time described the "stoppage of hostilities by Pakistan on the border as a positive response to our peace efforts."

Referring to increased attacks by militants during the ceasefire, Abdullah said "some measures taken by us have yielded successes in the recent weeks."

He, however, admitted some mistakes have been committed by the security forces and declared that the government is committed to take action against the guilty.

The Kashmir Cease-Fire: The Complete Coverage

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