The Hindu : National : Militant infrastructure along LoC intact, says Pranab

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Wednesday, Jun 30, 2004

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Militant infrastructure along LoC intact, says Pranab

By Our Staff Reporter

The Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, inspecting the newly constructed fence along the LOC at a forward post in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. — PTI

JAMMU, JUNE 29. The Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, said today that militants continued to gather along the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), ready to infiltrate Indian territory.

Talking to reporters here during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after assuming charge, Mr. Mukherjee said: "India and Pakistan are engaged in a serious dialogue to solve their problems. But it is also true, as I have learnt from my interactions with Army commanders, that the militant infrastructure in all its dimensions along the LoC remains intact. The militants camps in PoK have still not been dismantled and the launching pads are still being used to help militants cross over to this side." At the same time, the Minister said an India-Pakistan dialogue was essential for resolving contentious issues.

"The new Government is of the opinion that the two countries should solve the issues of contention peacefully. The various bilateral problems, particularly Kashmir, cannot be solved overnight. Patience is required."

Expressing satisfaction with the present Army deployment both along the LoC and for counter-militancy operations, Mr. Mukherjee said, "there will not be any decrease in the Army strength in Jammu and Kashmir."

The Government, the Minister said, would continue the Army modernisation exercise begun by the previous regime.

Earlier, Mr. Mukherjee was received at the Udhampur Airport by the Chief of the Army Staff, General N.C. Vij, and Lt. Gen. Hari Prasad of the Northern Command.

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