Srinagar, August 3
Defence Minister George Fernandes said here today that infiltration of militants from across the border into Jammu and Kashmir had not stopped.

“There are still ups and downs in infiltration”, he said in reply to questions from mediapersons after addressing troops of the Kilo Force at Shariefabad near here this afternoon.

Addressing the troops, the Defence Minister said that it was difficult to give a time frame for an end to the acts of violence being perpetrated at the behest of forces from across the border. He asked the troops to remain vigilant.

Mr George Fernandes said that deployment of troops along the borders was done following the attack of militants on the Parliament House on December 13 last year. There was no immediate plan on de-escalation from the borders. A decision to that effect would be taken only when overall situation gets normal. He said that the attack on the Parliament House was not “an attempt to destroy the political future of the country.”

Regarding elections to the State Legislative Assembly in four phases, the Defence Minister said that this decision had been taken in view of the threats from outside forces which did not want elections. He said steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of voters and candidates.

He categorically stated that foreign observers would not be allowed to visit the state during elections adding that foreign journalists were free to cover the election process in the State. Mr Fernandes held that the Election Commission of India was the supreme body in respect of fair elections in the State. Without pointing towards the separatist leadership in the valley, the Defence Minister said that there were no restrictions on anybody’s participation in the elections provided they were Indian citizens and no charges were levelled against them.

Mr George Fernandes said that there had not been any respite in the firing by Pakistan troops in the Siachen glaciers of Jammu and Kashmir.