M A I N   N E W S

LoC violations by Pak must stop for talks: Jaitley
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 15
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today asserted that dialogue with Pakistan could not progress if ceasefire violations and infiltration continue. Ceasefire violations and talks cannot go hand in hand, he said.

"Such hostilities must stop for the situation to normalise," said Jaitley.

On Saturday, the Defence Minister had said the country was capable of responding to ceasefire violations along the LoC.

"I think it is important that this kind of violations that are taking place along the LoC must stop," Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters in Srinagar before concluding his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

"Stopping ceasefire violation itself is a confidence building measure," he added.

The Defence Minister said the Army had maintained dominance along the LoC and the ability of the security forces to counter infiltration attempts were up to the mark.

"On the other side, there are incidents of ceasefire violations. But our soldiers are capable of giving a befitting reply," he added.

Jaitley said that after reviewing the situation he was "optimistic" about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. "I am confident that we are fully prepared and I am going back with a reasonable sense of satisfaction," he said.

"The Lok Sabha elections were held peacefully. It was a welcome step. Tourism season is at its peak. At the end of this month, Amarnath Yatra will also start," he said.