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Infiltration on the increase in J&K: Fernandes

Defence Minister George Fernandes Monday said infiltration from across the border was on the increase in Jammu and Kashmir but ruled out a repetition of Kargil.

Pakistani troops succeeded in occupying Kargil areas which were unprotected then, but "the situation has changed as our troops are manning the borders with more vigour," Fernandes told reporters in Srinagar.

He said areas like Poonch and Kupwara in the state were being constantly manned by Indian troops so there could not be Kargil like situation any more.

"In the event an enemy attacking India at a point where we have posts and holding our positions, it cannot be Kargil like situation but an open aggression against India," the defence minister said.

He said Kargil aggression was the result of "lack of security arrangements from 1972 to 1999. But we have taken adequate measures now and there is no question of a repetition of Kargil."

Fernandes, along with the Union Home Minister L K Advani and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah had attended meetings of the Unified Headquarters, which is dealing with the militancy, and the state legislators Sunday.

Replying to questions, Fernandes said there was no let up in infiltration from across the border. "The casualties of infiltrators indicate increase in the infiltration attempts from across the border."

He denied reports that Pakistan had moved nine army divisions towards the international border from Marala to Rann of Kutch to conduct massive exercises saying "there is no truth in the press reports."

"However, Pakistan has deployed troops for carrying out exercises but they are as far as 70 to 75 kms from our borders," the defence minister said, adding "there is no threat from Pakistan to India."

He termed the situation on the Line of Control as "normal and as before. If there is any difference, that is shelling from across the border has been stepped up. It is an up and down game. Sometimes there is step up in the activities but at other times there is no activity. There is no need for alarm."

There was no tension along the borders with China, he said.

Fernandes said the situation in the militancy-torn state was improving which was evident from the fact that "more and more people infiltrating into the state are being killed.

"There is improvement in the situation, which is confirmed by the world."

Asked whether the Centre would consider unilateral ceasefire as suggested by the Hizb-ul Mujahideen supreme commander Syed Salahuddin, he said security forces were not opening fire but only retaliated when they were attacked. "We are not arming our jawans just to get killed in Pak firing."

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