The Hindu : National : "It is not like Kargil"

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Saturday, Jul 16, 2005

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National

"It is not like Kargil"

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The infiltration by militants into the Line of Control (LoC) in Kabuli Gali, between Gurez and Mushkoh sectors, would not lead to a "Kargil-like situation," Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, told presspersons here on Friday.

The Army had killed nine infiltrators two days ago in the Gurez area. "Eight bodies of the infiltrators have been identified. But the Chief of the Army Staff apprehends that there might be more," he said.

Mr. Mukherjee was speaking after the Indian Air Force took delivery of nine upgraded Jaguar combat aircraft and pilot-less target aircraft Lakshya from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited here.

Combing operations

The Minister said infiltrations were taking place every month and nothing more should be read into the recent encounter. "It is nothing beyond that. But the number has reduced. It is not like Kargil."

He said the incident substantiated his belief that the infrastructure to help infiltration was still intact on the other side of the LoC. "It is not that they have given up their efforts. The External Affairs Minister has indicated to his Pakistani counterpart that he could give the exact location of the spot to them."

Mr. Mukherjee felt the latest incident could be part of the extremists' ploy to disturb peace and the process of normalisation of relations between the two countries. "Whenever there is a major national event or visit of a foreign dignitary, they try to attract attention through their actions. We should not fall into that trap. The peace process should go on," he said.

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