Dialogue on but Pranab worried over infiltration

While talks between Delhi and Islamabad hit a positive note over the past few days, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today pointed out that...

While talks between Delhi and Islamabad hit a positive note over the past few days, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today pointed out that dialogue was on despite increasing militancy and there is little chance for peace without reciprocation by the neighbour.

‘‘We have information that a large number of infiltrators are around the launchpads to sneak into this side,’’ Mukherjee said on his first visit to the state as Defence Minister. He, however, said the Army was vigilant to thwart such moves.

‘‘The government’s policy is to facilitate peace and make things reach a logical end,’’ the Minister said even as he indicated that though efforts were on to keep the ceasefire going, there can be no guarantee against a reversal of the decision. He questioned how talks with Pakistan could be welcomed when a large number of militants were being pushed over for violence in the Valley.

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The Defence ruled out lowering guard in response to General Pervez Musharraf’s statement that troop deployment on the border should be reduced. ‘‘We will maintain the size of the Army which we feel is necessary to protect the nation’s security,’’ he said.

Mukherjee, who is on a two-day visit to the state, was received at Udhampur Airport by Chief of Army Staff N.C. Vij and General Officer Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Hari Prasad. Mukherjee then visited the forward areas of Poonch and Rajouri and addressed the jawans.