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| Situation in J and K improving fast: Antony | | >>Declined to comment on the possibility of reducing the troops | | SRINAGAR, July 28
Terming the recent incidents in Pakistan a temporary phase, Union Defense Minister, A K Antony, today maintained that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was improving very fast. He also said that the ceasefire along the borders for the last three years was reflective of peaceful borders and India was wished real peace with its neighbour.
Speaking at a news conference in Srinagar at the end of his two day visit to J&K during which the defense minister toured areas along the line of control, Antony said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had taken number of initiatives to normalize the situation both in the state and also with Pakistan. He, however, declined to comment on the twin issues of reduction in number of troops and withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act stating that committees had been framed to look into the issue and his ministry shall wait for the reports of the committees.
"Peace process has produced really some success and we shall have to accept it. There have been certain developments in Pakistan it has slowed down the process but I believe it is a temporary phase and I hope situation will improve," Antony said.
Claiming that infiltration was still on, Antony, said that his own reflection about the ground situation was that violence had been restricted to certain pockets of the state only.
"Kashmiris are very peaceful people, but there shall be no compromise on national Integrity and territorial integrity," he said. Antony avoided a direct answer to a question if Pakistan had stopped support to militancy since the infiltration was on according.
"Laxity on our part can further lead to a bad situation", Antony asserted. The minister said that Government of India was committed to sincerely work towards brining normalcy in the state and address the genuine concerns of the people as highlighted by representatives of various political parties. "Kashmir is pride of India and we are with the people of Kashmir", the minister continued.
Antony said that three committees set up by Prime Minister to look into the issue of reduction in troops were on the job. "I think the report of one committee is in final stage", he said but declined to comment on the possibility of reducing the troops. "Since these committees are there it will be premature on my part to say anything", said the minister.
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