National   

De-mining operations on in Rajasthan, Punjab

By Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI Nov. 22. The stage is now set for complete de-escalation of tension on the International Border (IB) with Pakistan; the Line of Control (LoC) remains tense though the activity there has diminished, official sources said here.

India is conducting de-mining operations in Rajasthan and Punjab as a prelude to the withdrawal of troops positioned in defensive formations, the sources said. The three strike forces and the Air Force have begun pulling back their assets to peace stations as soon as redeployment was ordered by the Centre on October 16.

Pakistan was faster in withdrawing its troops from the border due to its smaller Army and better roads. About two months ago, it withdrew its troops, leaving tanks and other equipment on the border. The pace hastened after India announced a pull-back, and its units from the Eastern Sector boarded trains to their peace time locations.

Pakistan's defensive corps — based in Sialkot, Lahore and Karachi — held their de-induction meetings soon after the Pakistan President, Pervez Mushharaf, held a Corps Commanders Conference last month. The withdrawal should be over by now, the sources said.

The Pakistan Air Force had closed down most satellite bases, activated only during war-like situations. Of the dozen or more bases, activity was observed only at two. The high state of alert has also been called off at seven of the eight main air bases.

Action along the LoC continues unabated though at a much diminished pace. Indian troops have been successful in foiling infiltration attempts and have gunned down militants despite the low visibility.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• No going back on reforms: Jaswant
• Graft keeping investors away from India: U.S. official
• Iraq wants Indian inspectors in U.N. team
• India, Russia conclude spadework on naval deal
• Treat water as national resource: Ajit Singh
• `A meaningful pseudo-secular affair'
• CPWD favours outsourcing of works
• Structure of air routes revised
• 'Report not politically motivated'
• Panel against NALCO privatisation
• Sri Lanka hails Indian presence at Oslo
• Cong. continues to keep Modi guessing
• SC to hear petition against Kalam on Nov. 25
• G-20 nod likely for publication of reform effect studies
• Users to maintain water projects
• MIDAS programme: rocket launched
• BJP slams report on Gujarat massacres
• Indian help for Afghan education
• Tehelka panel directive to Centre
• C.G.K. Reddy fellowship
• De-mining operations on in Rajasthan, Punjab
• Map exchange on LAC to be discussed in Jan.

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu