Reduce 'visibility' of troops in J-K: Antony

Reviewing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday said the 'visibility' of troops should be reduced as much as possible in the state without compromising efficacy.

Antony also asked security forces and intelligence agencies to enhance their coordination to thwart enemy attempts to disturb peace in the border state.

Antony, who is visiting J and K after a gap of 18 months, did the review during high level meetings with Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior officials of the security grid in Srinagar.

Addressing a joint security review meeting, the defence minister said, 'efforts should be made to reduce the visibility of the armed forces as much as possible without compromising efficacy'.

"Antony on Saturday called upon the top brass of the Army, paramilitary forces, state police and intelligence agencies to bring more synergy in their efforts to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the state," the defence ministry said in a statement.

Antony, who is on a two-day visit to the state, said the coordination mechanism should be made perfect to thwart any attempt from enemies to disturb peace in the state.

"Enemies from across the border will continue their efforts; however, if the security and intelligence agencies understand each other better, the efforts of the enemies will not succeed," he said.