NEDUMBASSERY: Union Minister for Defence A.K. Antony on Saturday said that human rights violations will not be tolerated in the functioning of the armed forces.

Mr. Antony was reacting to recent reports of alleged Army involvement in civilian killings in Jammu and Kashmir.

Investigations

Talking to reporters here at the Cochin International Airport, he said that whenever there were complaints of military atrocities, investigations were conducted and necessary actions taken.

Investigations were usually conducted by the Army's court of inquiry and in some cases by the civilian police as well, he said. Human rights violations will be dealt with strictly.

He said that infiltration through Kashmir has shown a marginal decrease considering the fact that it usually shows an increasing trend. According to him, earlier infiltration had taken place only through Kashmir but of late the Bangladesh and Nepal borders and coastal regions had become major routes for infiltrators.

"No longer safe"

Stating that the Indian coasts were no longer safe, Mr. Antony pointed out that besides terrorists; mafia groups, drug traffickers and economic offenders were increasingly using the coastal regions for infiltration.

A decision had been taken to increase surveillance along the coasts and all the coastal States, including Kerala, asked to maintain increased vigil, Mr. Antony said.

As part of enhancing the security cover, the Government of India had permitted coastal police stations, he said.

Porous coasts

In this context, he said that his comments about the porous nature of coastal areas were not Kerala-specific but covered the entire coastal areas of the country.

He said that India's territorial waters were as extensive as the country's landmass. He said that a majority of the country's international trade and oil transportation is being carried out through the sea and as such it is all the more important to extend it added security cover.

Naval Academy

Mr. Antony said that the Ezhimala Naval Academy would be commissioned by January 2009.

Asked about Kerala's proposal for enhancing the participation of Keltron in defence production, the Minister said that it was under serious consideration. He had held discussions with Industries Minister Elamaram Karim in New Delhi in this regard.

Earlier, Mr. Antony was accorded a warm reception by Congress partymen.

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