The Hindu : 'No let-up in infiltration'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 15, 2003

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'No let-up in infiltration'

The jubilant newly-commissioned officers of the Indian Army, after the passing out parade at the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun, on Saturday. — Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Dehra Dun June 14. Asserting that there was no let-up in infiltration from across the border, the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, told reporters here today that there was no change in India's stand that Pakistan should stop cross-border terrorism before resumption of any talks between the two countries.

"There is no change in our stand that Pakistan must end cross-border terrorism before resumption of the dialogue process," he said, adding that there was no change in the level of infiltration of militants. "More or less, things are the same on the border."

"Confidence-building measures (undertaken by the two countries) are not an indication towards resumption of the dialogue process," Mr. Fernandes, who witnessed the IMA passing-out parade said. "There has been some talk regarding resumption of bus and train services to Pakistan. But that does not mean we are moving towards resumption of talks."

He said no decision on sending Indian troops to Iraq had been taken so far. "A Pentagon team is coming here shortly. The decision will be taken only after that."

Asked whether there would a new operation on the pattern of " Sarp Vinash"' in Poonch to flush out militants, he said some kind of discussion was going on that the operation should not be confined to one particular area. There was need to launch more such operations in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, adding that "according to our Army's estimate, 1,500 to 3,000 terrorists are still hiding".

Mr. Fernandes welcomed the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf's willingness to meet Mr. Vajpayee, describing it as a "positive development".

Asked about Gen. Musharraf's refusal to rule out another Kargil, he said: "Whatever he had uttered, there are some contradictions. But why should we look into such negative things. Let us focus on the positive talk of Musharraf," he said. — PTI

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