Date:24/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/24/stories/2008082455841000.htm

National

Concern over border firings conveyed to Pakistan

Staff Reporter

Armed forces ready to meet any challenge, says Antony

KASARAGOD: Incidences of firing from across the India-Pakistan border had increased considerably in the last two months and the country had conveyed its concern over it to Pakistan, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said on Saturday.

“We are in touch with the highest authorities in Pakistan on the issue,” the Minister said. He added that the armed forces of the country were on the alert and ready to meet any challenge. Pakistan had upped its aggressive posture and a few of our brave soldiers, including officers, had died in Friday’s firing, he said.

However, increased firing did not mean an increase in infiltration from across the border. The armed forces had defeated all infiltration attempts, he added.

Mr. Antony was answering questions at a press conference here on Saturday after laying the foundation of the strategic electronics manufacturing unit of the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. here.

Mr. Antony denied apprehension that a war-like situation existed along the border. “We have not deployed additional forces along the border,” he clarified. “I don’t expect further escalation of tension in the near future.” After October the armed forces would be put on high alert, he added.

Mr. Antony said the country’s armed forces commanded respect worldwide and had embarked on a systematic modernisation. The invitations being received by our armed forces from developed nations for a joint exercise with their armed forces were proof of the respect commanded by our forces, Mr. Antony pointed out.

The Army had conducted joint military exercises with the U.S, the Russian and the Chinese militaries and had won their acclaim, he said. The joint exercises had increased our confidence level, he said. For the first time in history, the Chinese Army would be participating in the joint exercises in the country in December, said Mr. Antony. On his coming visit to the U.S., the Minister said it was a part of continuing defence dialogue. He would hold discussions with U.S. Secretary of Defence Robert Gates, who had invited him. Mr. Gates had visited India earlier. He denied reports that he would hold discussions mainly on the nuclear deal.