The Hindu : National : Troop reduction has created goodwill, says Pranab

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Thursday, Dec 09, 2004

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Troop reduction has created goodwill, says Pranab

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 8. The decision to reduce troops in Jammu and Kashmir was taken "consciously" and the move has created a lot of goodwill in the State, the Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, told the Rajya Sabha today.

The decision has not adversely affected the situation in the border State even though infiltration attempts by militants went up last month, he said in reply to a question by Amar Singh (Samajwadi Party) and a host of supplementaries by other members during question hour.

"The question of redeployment is always there because it depends on the situation. So far, the decision has been well received all over the country, including the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Mr. Mukherjee said.

Terrorism cannot be "switched off and on" and there has been no dismantling of the terror infrastructure across the border. "Since November last, unilateral ceasefire declared by Pakistan is still continuing. This is a complex problem and there cannot be any simplistic solution to it. The process of composite dialogue is still going on since the former Prime Minister had visited Islamabad in January this year." There were 15 attempts at infiltration during September and October. Seven militants were killed, while 30 could have sneaked into the country, he said.

High technology

There has been no let-up in attempts to infiltrate into the State, but better surveillance, high technological aids such as unmanned sensors and radar and proper border fencing have helped in keeping the level of infiltration down.

According to estimates, 67 terrorist training camps and 32 launch pads are still operating in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan. "Though the number of incidents has reduced, one cannot say the situation is comfortable," Mr. Mukherjee said.

Changed tactics

The former State Chief Minister and National Conference member, Farooq Abdullah, said he had received reports that militants were now using a special powder and advanced cutters to cut border fences. In reply to a query from the Congress MP, Karan Singh, the Minister said the militants had changed their tactics and were now resorting to fidayeen or suicide attacks.

Admitting that infiltration had increased in November compared to September and October this year, he said the Government had decided to raise six "home-and-hearth" battalions and induct surrendered militants. "It is an ongoing process and it will be expedited."

Also, massive economic activities and job opportunities for youth were needed to wean them away from militancy.

Mr. Mukherjee denied there were any differences among the Prime Minister's Office, the Home Ministry and the Defence Ministry on either troop reduction or handling the Jammu and Kashmir affairs.

To a query from S.S. Ahluwalia (BJP), the Minister said there was no question of "fake surrender" by militants in the State.

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