This Article is From Jun 25, 2009

Decline in infiltration from Pakistan, says Antony

Decline in infiltration from Pakistan, says Antony
New Delhi:

India on Thursday said infiltration from Pakistan has declined in the recent past, but the threat from terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir is "real" and there is no question of lowering the guard.

"Of late, there has been a decline in infiltration in the borders but we cannot say it is an improvement," Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters after addressing the Unified Commanders' Conference in New Delhi.

He made it clear that "there is no question of lowering our guard, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, as even now these terrorist outfits are working there. It is a real threat".

Antony said the relations between India and Pakistan can "move forward" only if strong action is taken by Islamabad against anti-India outfits operating from across the border.

"We are emphasising and trying to convince Pakistan that they have to take strong actions against the anti-India groups operating from there. Only then the two countries can move forward and we can help in improving relations," he said.

He termed the security situation in Pakistan as a "matter of great concern" for India.

On India's plans to raise two mountain divisions in Arunachal Pradesh, he said, "India is not against any country. We want to maintain friendly and cordial relations with all our neighbours but at the same time it is our duty to increase our capabilities."

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