By IANS
Srinagar : Defence Minister A.K. Antony Saturday said any slackening of guard could again deteriorate "the fast improving security situation" in Jammu and Kashmir.
The minister who arrived here Friday, however, maintained that the entire state was not affected by violence, "as it had now been limited to certain pockets".
"The situation can further improve fast, but if we slacken out, it can deteriorate. We must continue our efforts to bring in total normalcy in the state," Antony told reporters here.
Asked to comment on the issue of relocation of deployed troops here, the defence minister said that the government of India was waiting for the reports of committee appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"I will not answer this. I am not evading the question but the Prime Minister has appointed committees. They are working and we are waiting for their report," he said. "I can only say one thing categorically, and that is, Kashmir is the pride of India and we will do everything to bring peace here.
"The Indian army is not an occupation army. They did not come out of the barracks of their own. They came out on the request of the state government and the people to bring peace."
He said during his two-day stay here, he had met a lot of people who had given some "useful suggestions. We will try our best to find solutions to the problems of the people here," the defence minister said.
Antony remarked that despite improvement in the situation and all round improvement, militancy and infiltration continued in Kashmir. "Compared to the past, violence levels have come down but occasionally it still takes place."
Asked if he believed the continuing infiltration from across the border was because of Pakistan not keeping its promise to contain terrorism, he said: "I have only made a statement of facts saying that the infiltration is still continuing from across the border."
About the instances of fratricidal shootouts in the security forces, Antony said, "We have taken various measures for better human management and frequent interaction between the jawans and officers to reduce the stress levels among the deployed troops."
The minister said that the India-Pakistan ceasefire has somewhat slowed down – because of the recent developments in Pakistan – despite the fact that the ceasefire on the borders is being maintained.
The minister also disclosed that the Indian Army would have joint defence exercises with the Chinese Army this October.