| On demilitarisation of Siachen
 Antony ruled out track-II dialogue on
de-militarisation of Siachen. New Delhi has insisted it will pull back troops only after joint authentication of the frontline along the 109-km Actual Ground Position Line
Pakistan, on the other hand, has been resisting “authentication” as a pre-requisite to demilitarisation
On VVIP helicopter deal
India has sought details from the UK in connection with graft allegations in the deal and “strong action” would be taken in case foul play is detected in procurement, Antony said
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New Delhi, November 10
Defence Minister AK Antony today reiterated that there would be no “hasty
decision” on revoking the much-debated Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir.
“The violence level in Jammu and Kashmir has come down, but at the same time, infiltration attempts are on the rise and it’s a matter of concern,” the Defence Minister said on the sidelines of a function to mark the 48th foundation day of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). “As I have said earlier, we cannot take a decision on AFSPA in a hasty manner,” he said.
On being asked if there were efforts being made through track-II dialogue on demilitarisation of the Siachen glacier, Antony said: “No, we are not for that. Our stand on Siachen is very clear and there is no change in our stand”.
India wants authentication of the present positions. New Delhi has always insisted it will pull back troops only after joint “authentication” of the frontline along the 109-km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) — the name of the de facto border on the glacier. The AGPL has never been marked on the ground or on any document accepted by both sides.
If Pakistan violates a de-militarisation treaty, it would enjoy easier access to Siachen, leaving India at a disadvantage. New Delhi wants international guarantee against any violation. Pakistan resists “authentication” as a pre-requisite to de-militarisation.
On corruption in the deal to buy 12 VVIP copters, Antony said: “We are probing the issue and have sought details. The Ministry of External Affairs has been told to gather more facts. If foul play is revealed, we will act.”
